Special Interviews

Since its founding in its original incarnation in September 1977, the Korean Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has pursued its core mission of supporting the South Korean economy through achievements in energy-related research. As part of this, KIER also aims to play a role toward securing a global position for the Korean energy sector by actively participating in multilateral initiatives such as RD20 that aim to develop rational energy measures to protect energy security, economic growth and the environment.

Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has managed the RD20 initiative since its inception in 2019. As one of the largest public research organizations in Japan, AIST focuses on the creation and practical realization of technologies useful to Japanese industry and society and on bridging the gap between innovative technological seeds and commercialization. In April, AIST kicked off its 6th Medium-to-Long-Term Plan. Drawing on the objectives of its predecessor, the plan’s chief goals remain solving social problems and strengthening the competitiveness of Japanese industry, according to AIST Department of Energy and Environment Director General Koichi Matsuoka.