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Global Center for Development and Strategy
Publications
[ISSN 3092-3905] 01. Recommendations for the Legal Institutionalization of International Cooperation in Science and Technology
- 관리자
- 2025.11.28.
- 114
● Title: Recommendations for the Legal Institutionalization of International Cooperation in Science and Technology
● Key Points
1. Science and technology have emerged as a core pillar of national security, diplomacy, and economic strategy.
Therefore, the following three legal measures must be pursued:
- First, international cooperation in science and technology should be formally codified in law to ensure continuity and stability and to enhance external credibility.
- Second, an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism must be legally mandated to prevent duplication and waste across government programs.
- Third, key issues such as data management, ownership of research outcomes, dispute resolution, and standard contract templates should be clearly specified in order to establish a solid foundation for international cooperation.
2. Major countries have already developed legal frameworks centered on their core national values.
The United States has established a technology-security–oriented legal system through legislation such as the COMPETES Act, the CHIPS Act, and the Bayh-Dole Act, while balancing international cooperation with protection through standard contracts, export controls, and security certification systems.
The European Union has built an integrated normative cooperation structure through the Horizon Europe Programme and the Model Grant Agreement (MGA), regulating research outcomes, data, ethics, and security under a unified framework.
Japan, placing economic security at the center of its policy, has strengthened infrastructure and technology protection, while managing international joint research at the national level to promote cooperation.
3. Korea should enact an integrated law on international cooperation in science and technology to clearly define the concept, basic principles, scope of cooperation programs, responsible institutions, and ownership of joint research outputs.
In building such a framework, Korea should take into account:
- funding management models for international joint research,
- adoption of standard contract templates,
- dispute mediation procedures,
- data governance and personal information protection, and
- attribution of research outcomes.
Furthermore, detailed provisions regarding the protection of critical technologies, operational standards for dedicated agencies, evaluation methods for cooperation programs, implementation mechanisms, and dispute resolution procedures should be delegated to subordinate regulations. This dual-layer legislative structure would ensure both legal stability and institutional flexibility.
● Author
Heechul An, Managing Partner, DLG Law Corporation
● Author Biography
Attorney Heechul An is the Managing Partner and Director of the Policy Center at DLG Law Corporation, and also serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of Industrial and Management Engineering at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology).
He actively contributes to strengthening the legal and policy foundations of Korea’s startup and venture ecosystem through roles such as Director of the Korea Angel Investment Association, advisory attorney to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and member of the Legal Advisory Committee for the Startup Online Legal Support Program.
He also serves as a member of the Human Resources Committee of the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, providing legal counsel that bridges public value and innovation across diverse sectors.
In recognition of his expertise, he was named among the “100 Next-Generation Leaders” by Sisa Journal in 2023, and was selected as a Leading Lawyer in Corporate and M&A by Legal Times in 2025.
