As competition in advanced semiconductor technology accelerates, the importance of research and development for next-generation processes is being emphasized. With companies and the government recently taking steps to cooperate on semiconductor R&D, the public and private sectors are rolling up their sleeves to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem.

Applied Materials signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the 6th regarding investment intent for the establishment of a domestic research and development (R&D) center. The advanced R&D center is scheduled to be located in Gyeonggi-do and is expected to establish itself as an innovation hub where Applied collaborates with customers and accelerates semiconductor-related technology development.

"We have established a new R&D center in Korea to strengthen Applied Materials' technological leadership and support the future growth of the semiconductor industry," said Mark Lee, President of Applied Materials Korea. "We expect to accelerate innovation in logic and memory chips through close cooperation with customers and partners in the semiconductor ecosystem."

Ahn Deok-geun, Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, said, “I applaud the efforts of Applied Materials, an important partner to Korea’s technology industry, for semiconductor innovation,” adding, “As the world’s No. 1 semiconductor and display equipment company, we will actively support the establishment of Applied Materials’ R&D center, which will contribute to fostering domestic semiconductor talent and strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem.”

Meanwhile, Applied Materials has contributed to the development of Korea's semiconductor and display industries for a long time. Applied Materials, which entered the Korean market in 1989, employs more than 2,000 people across 11 locations nationwide.