The Korea-U.S. Technology Alliance: We Can’t Afford to Delay Any Longer.

The Korea-U.S. technology alliance is no longer an option; it is a crucial strategy that will determine the future of Korea. With technology now at the heart of national competitiveness, failure to strengthen this alliance could lead to obsolescence. We can no longer be content with a traditional security alliance. Technology intertwines both economic and military power, and in this context, the Korea-U.S. technology alliance becomes inevitable.

The U.S. and Korea have long maintained a security alliance, originally established to counter the military threat from North Korea. However, in the 21st century, the nature of this alliance has evolved. No longer is traditional military power the main concern; technology has emerged as the key to security. Technological dominance is now a matter of national survival. The world has entered an era of technological competition, where technology defines national strength.

In this backdrop, the Korea-U.S. technology alliance holds immense significance for both nations. While the U.S. boasts the world’s most advanced technology, the challenge posed by China cannot be ignored. Korea, despite its rise as an economic powerhouse, faces limitations in maintaining a technological edge on its own in the global race. Therefore, it is essential that both countries maximize mutual benefits through technological cooperation. This is a strategically important issue for both nations.

Time, however, is not on our side. Technological innovation is progressing rapidly. Losing ground in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and space technology could result in irreversible setbacks. With the U.S. and China fiercely competing, Korea must seize the opportunity through this technology alliance. It is no longer a matter of choice; the technology alliance is now a matter of survival. There is no time to delay in solidifying the Korea-U.S. technology alliance.

This alliance has already begun, but the pace and depth are still limited. Both countries, having built a robust foundation through military and economic alliances, recognize the need for collaboration in the technological sphere as well. The challenge now is execution. A technology alliance cannot remain just rhetoric; it must yield tangible results.

The concept of a technology alliance differs from previous forms of economic and security cooperation. It’s not just about joint development or technology transfer but about sharing the entire process of technological innovation. The essence of the Korea-U.S. technology alliance lies in collaboration on advanced technologies, particularly in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, 5G, and 6G—the technologies that will drive the future. Without such cooperation, Korea may struggle to survive in the global technology race.

Several agreements have already been signed between Korea and the U.S. for technological cooperation, such as those for semiconductor supply chain collaboration and joint research in space technology. These are important advancements, but there is still a long way to go. The technological gap remains significant. Korea may be at the core of the global semiconductor industry, but the U.S. still holds a technological advantage. Bridging this gap requires closer cooperation.

The technology alliance is inseparable from the security alliance. In the 21st century, security is no longer sustained solely by military power. Cybersecurity, AI-based weapon systems, and space technologies are becoming central to national defense. Korea-U.S. technological cooperation strengthens not only economic interests but also the security alliance. The U.S. recognizes this as well. It cannot overlook the fact that Korea’s technological capabilities are directly tied to U.S. national security.

However, limitations are evident. Korea needs time and resources to fully catch up with the U.S. in terms of technology. The key is to achieve optimal results within the limited opportunities available. To narrow the technological gap, active support from the Korean government and businesses, combined with U.S. technology transfers, is essential. A technology alliance is not built on words alone; it requires concrete outcomes to become a true alliance.

When discussing the Korea-U.S. technology alliance, the U.S. perspective cannot be ignored. The U.S. has long maintained global dominance—the so-called Pax Americana era. The core of this era was economic and military power. However, in the 21st century, technology has become the new centerpiece of the power struggle.

Pax Americana is now extending into technological dominance. The U.S. still possesses the world’s most powerful technological capabilities. This is not just about economic gains but is directly linked to national security. The U.S.’s efforts to maintain global technological supremacy are part of a broader strategy to retain military superiority, economic dominance, and leadership in the global order.

Former President Donald Trump’s "America First" policy was born out of this background. Trump was wary of handing over U.S. technology to foreign nations, and the trade war with China stemmed from this concern. Trump’s protectionist stance on technology was a defensive move to prevent the U.S. from losing its technological supremacy. For Korea, this presented both an opportunity and a challenge. While there was a chance to strengthen the technology alliance, U.S. protectionism also posed obstacles to cooperation.

The Biden administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris, has taken a slightly more lenient approach, stepping back from the strict protectionist policies of the Trump era. However, U.S. technological protectionism remains central to American politics. While the U.S. prioritizes its own interests, it is also strengthening technological cooperation with allies. This creates an opportunity for Korea to enhance its technological standing through the Korea-U.S. technology alliance.

The U.S.’s stance is clear: the technology alliance will ultimately serve U.S. interests. Korea must keep this in mind. America First will persist, regardless of the outcome of future U.S. elections, and the terms of any technology alliance will likely reflect America’s primary interests. Therefore, Korea needs a strategic approach to maximize mutual benefits in the technology alliance.

The technology alliance is not only advantageous to the U.S.; Korea can also reap significant benefits. However, this requires an active strategy from Korea. The key is to achieve the best possible outcomes within limited opportunities. Korea’s competitive edge in the semiconductor industry is its most valuable card. Korea must focus on leveraging this strength in its negotiations with the U.S. Semiconductor technology is not just about economic profit; it is also a matter of national security. This is why the U.S. seeks to strengthen its cooperation with Korea in securing the semiconductor supply chain.

For the technology alliance to succeed, a few essential conditions must be met. First, government policy support is crucial. The Korean government must actively pursue policies that prioritize strengthening the technology alliance with the U.S. Increased support for research and development, talent cultivation, and investments in technology companies are necessary.

Second, Korea must assert its interests clearly during negotiations with the U.S. While the technology alliance is a form of cooperation, negotiation leverage remains critical. Korea must use its strengths to build an equal partnership with the U.S. rather than rely solely on U.S. technological superiority. Cooperation should be based on mutual interests.

Third, trust between the two nations must be paramount. The past practice of aligning with the U.S. on security while seeking economic or technological ties with other nations undermines trust. To strengthen the Korea-U.S. technology alliance amid the technological power struggle, priorities must be clear. The technology alliance must be pursued within a framework of trust-based diplomacy.

The Korea-U.S. technology alliance is no longer a choice but a necessity. Technology determines a nation’s survival. Korea must close the technological gap and maximize its economic and security interests through this alliance. There is no time to waste. Through the technology alliance, Korea can lead the global technology race. Without technological cooperation, there is no survival. The Korea-U.S. technology alliance is an essential strategy for Korea’s future.

• Dr. Kwang-Sun Kim graduated from Hanyang University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1978. He passed the National Technical Service Examination during his senior year and earned his Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1986. After working for the Ministry of National Defense and serving as a research professor at Yale University and an executive at Samsung Aerospace, he joined the Korea University of Technology and Education in 1992, dedicating 27 years and 6 months to nurturing future talent. Dr. Kim has served as president of various organizations, including the Korea Industry-Academia Cooperation Society, and published over 150 papers.