The US and South Korea have signed a Joint Statement on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) to advance research and innovation in the field. The agreement follows a commitment by Presidents Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol to enhance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Dr. Lee Jong-ho, Minister for Science and Information and Communication Technologies, signed the statement. The US launched the National Quantum Initiative in 2018, while South Korea has committed around $1 billion over eight years to QIST.
US and South Korea Sign Joint Statement on Quantum Cooperation
On April 25, 2023, the United States and the Republic of Korea signed a Joint Statement on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) in Washington, DC. This signing took place during a broader state visit between ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden. The two leaders had previously agreed to enhance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, including quantum technology, during President Biden’s visit to Seoul in May.
The signing of the quantum cooperation statement is a significant step towards fulfilling the vision set forth by Presidents Biden and Yoon. Another key step occurred on World Quantum Day on April 14, when South Korea joined the Entanglement Exchange, an international portal for exchange opportunities in quantum information science, of which the United States is a founding member.
White House and South Korean Officials Sign the Joint Statement
Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Chief Science Advisor to President Biden, signed the joint statement for the United States. Dr. Lee Jong-ho, Minister for Science and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), signed the joint statement for the Republic of Korea. Both officials expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership and the potential for exciting discoveries and innovations in the field of quantum information science.
Increased Investments in Quantum Information Science and Technology
Both the United States and the Republic of Korea have recognized the importance of QIST and have been increasing their investments in recent years. In the United States, the National Quantum Initiative was launched in 2018 after roughly a quarter-century of sustained investment in QIST. This initiative approximately doubled the U.S. Federal Government’s investment in QIST. In South Korea, funding for QIST has accelerated as part of a commitment of roughly $1 billion over eight years, including funding for joint research centers in the US and EU.
Facilitating Collaboration and Addressing Pressing Issues in QIST
Dr. Charles Tahan, Assistant Director for Quantum Information Science at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Director of the National Quantum Coordination Office, emphasized the importance of the quantum cooperation statement and the recent expansion of the Entanglement Exchange in facilitating collaborations between the two nations. These collaborations aim to address pressing issues in QIST, such as advancing scientific frontiers, building the global supply chain, and developing talent.
Dr. Yoonchae Cheong, Director of the Korea-US Quantum Technology Cooperation Center, expressed optimism about the partnership between the two countries, stating that their cooperation would create great synergies and open a wonderful future through quantum science and technology.
“Quantum information science is a fertile area of research that has the potential to unlock exciting discoveries and innovations,” said Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Chief Science Advisor to President Biden. “We look forward to working with the Republic of Korea to advance the field.”
“This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Korea-US alliance, and we consider it particularly meaningful to sign a joint statement on quantum technology during this state visit,” said Dr. Lee Jong-ho, Minister for Science and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for the Republic of Korea. “I hope we further enhance our value-sharing partnership by accelerating joint research and expert exchanges in the field of quantum science and technology.”
“Today’s quantum cooperation statement and the recent expansion of the Entanglement Exchange play critical roles in facilitating collaborations between our nations, leveraging our strengths to address the most pressing issues in QIST, such as advancing scientific frontiers, building the global supply chain, and developing talent,” said Dr. Charles Tahan, Assistant Director for Quantum Information Science at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Director of the National Quantum Coordination Office.
“Korea and the United States, which have been strong partners for many years, are now taking new steps to pioneer this new technology together. Cooperation between the two countries will undoubtedly create great synergies and open a wonderful future through quantum science and technology,” said Dr. Yoonchae Cheong, Director of the Korea-US Quantum Technology Cooperation Center.
The United States and the Republic of Korea have signed a Joint Statement on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST), aiming to advance research and innovation in the field. This collaboration is part of a broader commitment to enhance public and private cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
- The United States and the Republic of Korea signed a Joint Statement on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) on April 25, 2023.
- The signing took place during a state visit between ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington, DC.
- The two countries aim to enhance public and private cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, including quantum technology.
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