The United States and South Korea have signed the U.S.–ROK Technology Prosperity Deal to strengthen cooperation in strategic areas like AI, biotechnology, space, quantum research and 6G development. The agreement is intended to secure innovation leadership, protect intellectual assets and build resilient high-tech supply chains, according to the White House.
A White House statement says, “The Participants intend to collaborate closely on developing pro-innovation AI policy frameworks, promoting the export of trusted AI technology stacks, developing AI-ready datasets, strengthening the enforcement of technology protection measures, advancing shared work on industry standards, and fostering our children’s digital wellbeing.” The Memorandum of Understanding is positioned as a major step toward shared technological prosperity and future-focused research collaboration.
The Memorandum of Understanding sets a framework for U.S.–ROK cooperation in science and technology, including researcher exchanges and collaboration on fundamental science. It states that “The Participants intend to strengthen the foundation for bilateral science and technology cooperation by expanding participation and collaboration in large-scale projects and actively supporting exchanges and collaborative activities among researchers of both sides.” The agreement is not legally binding and will take effect on the date of the last signature, with options for modification or termination by mutual decision or written notice. The cooperation will follow national laws and international obligations. The full text is available on the White House website.
