The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) has launched a new policy center focused on Korean innovation and competitiveness. The Center for Korean Innovation and Competitiveness, based in Seoul, aims to support South Korea's transition from an export-led growth model to one that emphasizes technological innovation.
“South Korea must shift away from export-led growth to broad-based innovation in order to sustain robust long-term growth and global competitiveness,” said ITIF President Robert D. Atkinson. He highlighted the need for South Korea to adapt its economic strategies in response to changing global dynamics, including Chinese tech dominance and U.S. tariffs.
The new center will provide evidence-based policy recommendations to address challenges such as slowing productivity growth, an aging population, and the limited global scaling of innovation-driven firms. “Looking ahead, the Center’s enduring vision is to position Korea as a rule-setter in global tech governance and a stronger partner in the U.S.–ROK innovation alliance,” said Sejin Kim, associate director of the Center.
Priority research areas include AI, semiconductors, robotics, displays, and next-generation digital infrastructure. The Center also focuses on regulatory modernization to create an environment conducive to business growth.
A report released by the Center outlines a strategy for transitioning South Korea's economy towards productivity-led growth through domestic innovation. It calls for reforms such as reconstituting the Ministry of SMEs and Startups into a “Ministry of Enterprise Growth.” “It’s time to scale up, not shelter,” said Kim.
The report proposes four pillars for enhancing South Korea's economic dynamism: embracing size neutrality, redesigning policy instruments for productivity rewards, diffusing innovation across sectors, and modernizing labor markets.
“The Trump and China era is not just a policy challenge—it’s a structural test. Korea must make three strategic shifts,” Atkinson stated. These include adopting size-neutral policies, ensuring digital tools reach lagging sectors and workers, and building a flexible labor market.
Atkinson and Stephen Ezell are currently in Korea for discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration with local institutions. The launch marks ITIF's first Asia-based hub as part of its broader mission to enhance techno-economic cooperation among U.S. allies.