The public and private sectors have come together to secure the lead in next-generation cutting-edge display technology.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the Inorganic Light-Emitting Diode (iLED) Industry Promotion Alliance on the 29th with the participation of companies, associations, and experts to systematically foster the inorganic light-emitting diode (iLED) display industry, including micro LED, which is attracting attention as a next-generation technology after organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

The Inorganic Luminescent Industry Promotion Alliance was launched in May following the announcement of the ‘Display Industry Innovation Strategy’ and aims to establish the foundation for the inorganic luminescent display industry through public-private collaboration.

Inorganic light-emitting displays are a technology that has advantages over OLEDs, which use organic materials as light-emitting elements, in terms of lifespan, brightness, power efficiency, and shape (such as flexible displays), and the market is expected to take shape in earnest after 2025. Accordingly, China, Taiwan, the United States, and others are increasing their investments to secure mass production technology for inorganic light-emitting displays, centered on micro LEDs.

The government is also preparing a 1 trillion won research and development project for 'development of inorganic luminescent display technology and establishment of an ecosystem' to secure the lead in inorganic luminescent display technology, and plans to apply for a preliminary feasibility study on the project in the near future.

In this meeting, in addition to exchanging opinions on the project, there was also a variety of discussions on technological development trends in China, Taiwan, the United States, and other countries, as well as investment difficulties.

In particular, the finished product, panel, and small business companies that participated in today's meeting stated that they are making efforts to secure inorganic light-emitting display technology, such as establishing a dedicated organization and increasing investment in research and development.

Lee Yong-pil, the director of Advanced Industry Policy, said, “Inorganic light-emitting displays require different process technologies than OLEDs, from the light-emitting elements to the panels,” and added, “We will actively support Korea in various areas, including in taxation and research and development, so that we can secure core technologies and maintain our status as a display superpower.”