Consistent policy investment and talent development are urgently needed

On November 10, 2015 , the National Assembly New Growth Industry Forum, ' Semiconductor Industry Crisis Diagnosis and Response Strategy ,' was held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building . The forum was organized to analyze the current status of the Korean semiconductor industry and to explore support measures for strategic industries capable of sustainable future growth .

Representative Noh Young-min, who hosted the forum, stated in his opening remarks , “ The budget for the only semiconductor R&D project currently supported by the government has been drastically cut by more than 40% compared to the previous year. While Korea currently ranks first in the global memory semiconductor market, our market share in the global system semiconductor market, which is four times larger, is less than 5% . Continuous government investment in R&D is more urgent than ever . ”

The keynote presentation was led by Director So Hyun-cheol of Shinhan Investment & Securities, who diagnosed the situation of the Korean semiconductor industry as a " crisis " in light of the Chinese semiconductor industry and proceeded with four topics . Following this, various sectors of the semiconductor industry were introduced, allowing attendees to hear about the industry's practical concerns through case presentations . Son Jong-man, CEO of Genitix, who attended as a representative from the design sector, remarked, " The labor shortage is severe, but it is a bitter reality that even if skilled personnel are available, they eventually leave for large corporations. "  

In the panel discussion held as the final session of the forum, experts from the government , industry, and academia participated to share various opinions on the Korean semiconductor industry . Professor Park Young-jun of Seoul National University, who led the discussion, concluded the forum by stating, “ A crisis is also a force for development ,” and adding, “ To overcome the external crisis posed by China, the semiconductor industry must first resolve its internal crises . ”