Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

New RNA Certification Streamlines KS Process for Medium and Large Wind Turbines

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) is introducing separate Korean Industrial Standards (KS) certification for the rotor-nacelle assembly (RNA), a core component of medium and large wind turbines, to help domestic wind turbine manufacturers obtain certification more quickly. The new RNA certification is a follow-up to the plan to reform the KS certification system, announced at the Ministerial Meeting on Economic Affairs in February 2026. The reform is intended to align Korea’s certification system with the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications (IECRE). Under the current system, KS certification covers the entire wind turbine. Even when using the same RNA, any change in tower height or other specifications requires the entire turbine to be reassessed and recertified. As a result, the same RNA may undergo duplicate assessments, increasing both certification time and cost. In practice, obtaining KS certification for a medium and large wind turbine takes an average of 1,118 days, placing a substantial burden on manufacturers. To address this issue, KATS has established a separate KS certification category for RNAs. Once an RNA is certified, manufacturers can use the existing certification results even if the tower height or other specifications change. This is expected to reduce duplicate reviews and assessments, shorten certification times, and lower costs. Applications for KS certification of RNA may be submitted through the Korea Energy Agency (KEA), the designated KS certification body for medium and large wind turbines, beginning July 31, 2026. date2026-07-30

Incheon Global Campus to Build Innovation Ecosystem for Industry–Academia Collaboration

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held a roundtable to promote industry–academia collaboration at Incheon Global Campus (IGC) and hosted the IGC Navigator Day 2026 on July 30, 2026, in Seoul. The event drew around 50 participants, including representatives from the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA), the industry-academic cooperation foundations of IGC’s five foreign universities, the Incheon Global Campus Foundation, and the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT), as well as experts from industry, academia, and research institutions. IGC is a shared campus for foreign universities, developed in Songdo, Incheon, since 2009 to establish an education hub in Northeast Asia. It is now home to five institutions: Stony Brook University and the Fashion Institute of Technology at SUNY Korea, George Mason University Korea, Ghent University Global Campus, and the University of Utah Asia Campus. MOTIR has worked to develop IGC into a global cluster connecting industry, academia, and research institutions. A September 2020 amendment to the Industrial Education Enhancement and Industry–Academia–Research Cooperation Promotion Act allowed foreign universities to establish and operate industry-academic cooperation foundations in Korea. All five foreign universities at IGC established foundations in December 2021. The event allowed the foundations to share their achievements and challenges and discuss IGC’s future development. It also aimed to link Korean industries with talented individuals and academic achievements cultivated through global universities’ expertise, while strengthening domestic and international networks across industry, academia, and research institutions. Key programs included a keynote address by Professor Lee Kyoung-jun of Kyung Hee University titled “Turning Research into Value in the Age of AI Agents,” followed by a presentation on the Korean government’s R&D policy direction and a networking session among IGC universities. MOTIR expects the event to deepen cooperation on technology and human resources between foreign universities in Korea’s free economic zones and Korean companies. By developing industry–academia–research clusters, the ministry also aims to stimulate foreign investment, attract global companies, and thereby strengthen Korea’s competitiveness. Noting that Incheon Global Campus, Korea’s first shared campus for foreign universities, has established itself as a model success story, Director General Je Kyung Hee of the Free Economic Zone Planning Office expressed hope that it would become a leading innovation hub in Korea—a center of global technological innovation that attracts world-leading companies and drives global R&D collaboration. date2026-07-30

ISO Publishes Two International Standards on Manufacturing Digital Twins Developed under Korea’s Leadership

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has officially published two international standards for manufacturing digital twins proposed by Korea. Digital twin technology creates virtual models of physical products, equipment, processes, and factories. These models allow manufacturers to monitor real-world conditions, predict problems, and optimize operations. As autonomous manufacturing and AI-based manufacturing services become more widespread, digital twins are emerging as a core technology for improving productivity and quality in manufacturing. Korea has led efforts to develop international standards for manufacturing digital twins, contributing to the development of ISO 23247-1 through ISO 23247-4. These standards cover general principles, reference architecture, digital representations of manufacturing elements, and information exchange. The two newly published standards expand the series to cover how multiple digital twins can be connected and combined for specific purposes. ISO 23247-5 (Digital Thread for Digital Twin) sets out how to link information from different stages of manufacturing, including product design, production processes, equipment status, and inspection results, into a continuous digital thread, allowing users to find and use the data needed for digital twin applications. This makes it possible to trace and analyze design information, production conditions, equipment history, and inspection data in relation to one another when a specific quality issue arises. ISO 23247-6 (Digital Twin Composition) sets out how to select and combine digital twins to create a larger virtual model for a specific purpose. This allows digital twins of individual products, equipment, and processes to be combined like building blocks into a composite digital twin for an entire production line or factory, providing greater flexibility in configuration. With government support, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) proposed the above standards based on Korean technologies. Companies and organizations from countries including the United States and Sweden also participated in their development. “The publication of these international standards has paved the way for Korean digital twin technologies to be used worldwide by incorporating them into international standards,” said KATS President Kim Dae-ja. “We will continue to actively support related standards development by industry, academia, and research institutions to facilitate the rapid adoption of AI across Korea’s manufacturing sector.” date2026-07-28

K-Display 2026 Opens in Seoul

Director General for High Technology Industry Choi Woo-hyuk of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) attended the opening ceremony of K-Display 2026 at COEX in Seoul on July 22, 2026. The ceremony brought together Korea Display Industry Association Chairman Yi Chung, Korea’s two leading OLED panel makers, and Korean and overseas materials, parts, and equipment companies. Director General Choi joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony, presented MOTIR Minister’s Awards to six recipients, including Samsung Display Vice President Choi Min-hwan, and viewed advanced display technologies and products showcased at the exhibition. “Displays are evolving beyond screens to drive change across future industries,” he said. “The government will accelerate M.AX in the display industry and help innovative Korean products reach global markets.” date2026-07-22

The Future of World-Leading Displays Powered by M.AX

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that it will host K-Display 2026 at COEX in Seoul from July 22 to 24, 2026. Now in its 25th year, K-Display is Korea’s only international exhibition dedicated to the display industry, showcasing the latest display technologies and products. This year, Korea’s two leading organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel makers will be joined by a wide range of Korean and overseas materials, parts, and equipment companies. A total of 142 companies and organizations will exhibit across 446 booths, presenting the future direction of next-generation display technologies integrated with emerging industries. The event features an exhibition, business programs, and other activities. At the central theme pavilion, visitors can see how manufacturing AI transformation (M.AX) will reshape display production and explore physical AI technologies that combine displays with AI and robotics. Business matchmaking sessions on procurement, technology, and trade will also connect companies with potential partners and overseas markets, helping Korean MPE companies expand their global sales channels. The event will also feature a ceremony presenting six MOTIR Minister’s Awards to companies recognized for technological innovation, as well as a job fair connecting display companies with young talent.   At the opening ceremony, Director General for High Technology Industry Choi Woo-hyuk said, “Displays are evolving beyond screens into a key driver of change across future industries. The government will accelerate M.AX in the display industry, build regionally based industrial ecosystems, and provide comprehensive support to help innovative new products from Korean companies reach global markets.” date2026-07-22

MOTIR Highlights Responsible Business Conduct as Key to Sustainable Growth in the AI and Supply Chain Era

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) co-hosted the 2026 Public-Private Seminar on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) with the National Human Rights Commission of Korea and UN Global Compact Network Korea at the Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI). RBC refers to responsible business practices across economic and social areas, including human rights, labor, and the environment, as set out in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. The event drew approximately 100 participants, including corporate representatives and ESG experts.  The seminar marked the 50th anniversary of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the Guidelines’ role as an international standard for responsible business conduct over the past five decades and to strengthen Korean companies’ ability to respond to a rapidly changing business environment shaped by global supply chain shifts and the wider use of AI. Participants shared approaches to the responsible use of AI; managing human rights and labor risks in critical mineral supply chains; government support for human rights management by Korean companies operating overseas; and corporate AI governance. They also discussed key RBC issues arising from AI and supply chain developments and how companies should respond. “The Korea NCP will expand training and outreach to promote the adoption of the OECD Guidelines across Korean businesses,” said Kang Gam-chan, Deputy Minister for International Trade and Investment at MOTIR, in his opening remarks. “We will also strengthen support for resolving disputes arising from the implementation of the Guidelines.” date2026-07-14

Korea to Lead International Standardization of Smart Manufacturing in M.AX Era

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced on July 13, 2026, that Korea will serve as the secretariat for the newly established Smart Manufacturing and Enterprise Applications Subcommittee (SC 65F) under Technical Committee 65 (TC 65) of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). SC 65F was established in response to the rapid spread of advanced digital technologies such as AI and digital twins across manufacturing sites, which is driving the industry's AI transformation into full swing. It will develop international standards for key areas of future manufacturing, including digital twin factories that recreate physical production processes in virtual environments; smart manufacturing systems that connect data across the entire process from design to production; and autonomous manufacturing systems that use AI to make decisions and control production processes. KATS worked with multiple countries from the early stages of discussions to establish the SC 65F. This early involvement led to Korea’s selection as the secretariat. The role has no fixed term and oversees and coordinates both the subcommittee’s operations and the development of international standards, placing Korea in a position to lead this work on a sustained basis. Going forward, KATS will serve as the SC 65F secretariat to establish key Korean technologies for Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) as international standards, including manufacturing data and technologies for operating and managing AI in manufacturing. KATS plans to strengthen the global competitiveness of Korean companies through this standardization work. “Serving as the secretariat gives Korea a foundation to lead international standards for future manufacturing, beyond its established strength as a manufacturing nation,” said KATS President Kim Dae-ja. “We will support Korean companies so that their M.AX technologies and innovations can be reflected in international standards. date2026-07-13

MOTIR Takes First Step Toward Commercializing “Wonder Material” Graphene

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the launch meeting for the Graphene Industrialization Network on July 8, 2026, in Ilsan, where NANO KOREA 2026 is being held. The meeting brought together graphene experts from industry, academia, and research institutions. As part of work to implement the ultra-innovative economy flagship projects, MOTIR organized the meeting to establish a cooperation platform that brings together end-user companies, suppliers, and research institutions to address challenges raised by industry in commercializing graphene. Ahead of the meeting, MOTIR released a technology roadmap for commercializing graphene, developed through industry consultations that began in October 2025. The roadmap begins with addressing heat-management challenges in advanced industries by using graphene’s high conductivity, and points over the longer term to broader graphene applications across these industries. The roadmap is expected to help shape technology development and commercialization strategies that reflect the needs of advanced industries. At the meeting, participants agreed that graphene’s diverse properties give it potential for a broad range of applications, and that there is a need to continue identifying new industry demand and applications beyond the directions set out in the roadmap. Participants also agreed to continue discussions through the Graphene Industrialization Network on the material properties and quality standards required by end-user companies, potential demonstration projects, and barriers to commercialization. “Graphene is a material with the potential to transform advanced industries,” said Choi Woo-hyuk, Director General for High Technology Industry at MOTIR. “With the roadmap released today and the Graphene Industrialization Network as a starting point, MOTIR will work closely with industry to support demonstrations and help create initial demand, so that graphene’s potential can lead to practical industrial applications.” date2026-07-08

Future M.AX Talents to Compete at RoboCup 2026

RoboCup 2026, the world’s largest robotics technology competition, will be held from July 2 to July 5, 2026, at Songdo Convensia in Incheon. Kim Sung-yeol, Deputy Minister for Industry and Growth at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended the opening ceremony, encouraged participating teams from Korea and abroad, and met with Korean undergraduate and graduate students competing in the event to discuss training future robotics talent. RoboCup 2026 Hosted by Incheon Metropolitan City and the International RoboCup Federation and sponsored by MOTIR, RoboCup 2026 — the 29th edition of the event — was held at its largest scale to date, with about 3,000 participants from 45 countries. Beyond robot soccer, the competition features robotics challenges in which robots perform tasks in disaster rescue, home service, manufacturing processes, and other areas. During the event, organizers will also hold the Humanoid Robot Challenge for Korean university teams, operate an exhibition featuring more than 40 robot manufacturers and component companies from Korea and abroad, and host an international symposium on robotics technology to share the latest trends in the global robotics industry. Humanoid Robot Challenge This year’s inaugural Humanoid Robot Challenge brings together 12 Korean university teams. Their humanoid robots will perform tasks designed for manufacturing and logistics settings, including sorting parts, transporting them, assembling components, and fastening wheels. The challenge will assess the potential use of humanoid robots in manufacturing by having them carry out tasks similar to those found at actual production sites. Roundtable with Young Robotics Talent Before the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister Kim met with Korean undergraduate and graduate students competing in RoboCup 2026 to discuss training future robotics talent and supporting robotics research. The students called for stronger research infrastructure and more industry-academia R&D projects, and MOTIR presented its policy direction for developing robotics talent. First, MOTIR will establish Korea’s first specialized graduate school for humanoid robotics in the second half of 2026 to train master’s and doctoral-level experts. The school will be established under the Act on Special Measures for Strengthening the Competitiveness of, and Protecting National High-Tech Strategic Industries to train personnel in national high-tech strategic technologies. Selected universities will receive about KRW 3.0 billion per year for up to five years to build educational and research facilities, develop and operate curricula, and engage in industry-academia projects with companies.  Second, MOTIR will expand opportunities for universities and companies to conduct joint R&D and demonstration projects. The ministry will hold annual technology competitions, such as the Humanoid Robot Challenge, and, in the selection process for future national robotics R&D and demonstration projects, give additional points to universities that achieve strong results in the competition. This will support joint research with companies and other partners. Third, MOTIR will support the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), the world’s largest robotics conference, which will be held in Seoul in 2027. The ministry will also support related R&D so Korean academia and industry can present their research outcomes at ICRA. “RoboCup 2026 is a platform where robotics talent from around the world comes together to compete and exchange ideas. It is also an important opportunity to demonstrate Korea’s progress toward becoming a leading AI robotics powerhouse,” Deputy Minister Kim said. “The government will reflect the suggestions raised at today’s roundtable in policies that strengthen support for young tal date2026-07-02

Public-Private Roundtable for the National Growth Fund-M.AX Frontier Project

Minister JK Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) chaired a public-private roundtable for the National Growth Fund-M.AX Frontier Project at Korea Development Bank (KDB) in Seoul on July 1, 2026.  The meeting was attended by FSC Chairman Lee Eog-weon; KDB Chairman & CEO Park Sang-jin; Kim Min-pyo, CEO of Wonik Robotics; Choi Ho-hyung, CEO of Daesung Hi-Tech; Kim Jung-hee, CTO of CJ Logistics; and other industry representatives. Minister Kim said bold investment is needed in AI factories, AI robots, and semiconductors, which will be central to Korea’s growth in the coming AI era. He also expressed hope that the National Growth Fund would provide a reliable pathway for growth by supporting investment in M.AX infrastructure. date2026-07-02