Industrialization of nanotechnology to be accelerated. Korea's nanotechnology is gathering pace, yet caution is needed against complacency over new technology development as well as its industrialization. Since the government started investing in nanotechnology in earnest as from late 2001, the total investment reached US$2 billion as of last year. In addition, patent applications are also on the increase. However, for Korea to be rated on a par with advanced countries, more focused efforts are needed according to Hanjo Lim, cochairman of the NANO Korea Organizing Committee and professor at the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering/ Department of Physics, School of Natural Science, Ajou University. The cochair said that nanotechnology is expected to help solve numerous difficulties humankind faces in various fields, such as energy, the environment, and medical treatment, not to mention the rapid technological innovation in the field of information technology (IT). Since nations all over the world, particularly the United States and Japan, are concentrating their capacities on research & development, Korea cannot afford to slacken the reins, Lim emphasized. Boosted by a prestigious international nano exhibition and technology exchange like NANO Korea 2005, the cochair is hopeful that domestic nanotechnology will speed up its industrialization and become more diversified. In this regard, he explains that patent applications of domestic nanotechnology amounted to no more than 68 cases in late 1999, but they are now showing a healthy increase rate of over 70 percent every year, rising to 580 cases in 2003. The cochair stresses that this is not only following global trends, but also points toward the industrialization of nanotechnology. More developed features both in terms of quality and quantity Prof. Lim was encouraged by the more sophisticated displays planned for this year's NANO Korea 2005 both in terms of quality and quantity compared with last year's. This year's exhibition as well as the symposium offers various events, such as investment briefings, industrial tours for overseas buyers, panel discussions, a ceremony to award prizes for innovative nanotechnology, R&D technology transfer and so forth. Through this year's NANO Korea, the cochair said he is confident that this exhibition, as well as the accompanying technology exchanges, would serve as an opportunity to highlight the present and future potential of nanotechnology and to open people's eyes to new challenges in the field. As this year both the nano exhibition as well as technology exchanges are being held concurrently at the same venue, unlike in previous years, he hoped that it would serve as a gathering to exchange information on new technology and to facilitate technology industrialization. Additionally, it would help disseminate and publicize research successes in the field of nanotechnology. Moreover, he pointed out that Korea is weak in basic nano research, as well as core technology, adding that in this regard, one of the most important priorities is developing the ability to nurture the nano field, including research funding. The cochair further emphasized that there is an urgent need for specialist nanotechnology officials to take charge of the policy of nanotechnology, placing equal emphasis on nurturing human resources as well. Last but not least, he said that nano is the ultimate technology able to accept a foreign country's cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, he maintained that Korea needs to strengthen international cooperation with nano-advanced countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and France by leveraging Korea's competitive edge in the field of IT. Leverage IT edge for cooperation with foreign countries In recent years, major nano-advanced countries have spared no effort in investing in the nano field, recognizing the importance of nano technology as a core technology of the future to usher in the 21st century. Korea is also actively pursuing nanotechnology R&D, facility construction, nurturing human resources on a national level by investing as much as 1.485 trillion won over 10 years, after relevant ministries had established 'The Nanotechnology Overall Development Plan' in late July, 2001. Since then, a nanotechnology development facilitation law was enacted and promulgated on Dec. 31, 2002 and in 2003, nine ministries, including the Ministry of Science & Technology (MOST), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Energy (MOCIE), and the Ministry of Information & Communication (MIC) drew up a 'Nanotechnology development enforcement plan,' which is now in operation. For technology innovation, prof. Lim emphasizes that in the case of nanotechnology, the necessity is growing for more R&D by implementing systematic and comprehensive plans on a national level, discarding sporadic forms of basic research. Against this background, the professor has established the Korea Nano Technology Research Society to bolster nano businesses, to consolidate the groundwork of nano power such as nanotechnology-related academic research, international cooperation projects and education support, with a view to nurturing better quality human resources in the nanotechnology field. 'As president,' the professor concluded, 'I will do my best not only to contribute to national policy through special academic institutions, both nominally and virtually, but also promote Korea's growth globally in the nanotechnology era.'