Amid intensifying US-China competition, nations are focusing on strengthening investments in science and technology to ensure their survival and sovereignty. In this era of technological hegemony, the decision by South Korea and France to significantly expand their technological cooperation, marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties, is seen as a highly strategic move beyond mere diplomatic gestures. By establishing cooperative relationships in advanced fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology, the two nations are seeking joint survival strategies in the global technological race. The cooperation plan between Korea and France was concretized at the 9th Korea-France Joint Committee on Science and Technology, as reported by AI News on April 4, 2026. At the core of this meeting, co-chaired by Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and France's Ministry of Higher Education and Research, were the future-oriented technologies of AI and quantum. Notably, the practical projects discussed at the meeting—including the establishment of an AI safety research institute, the development of AI ethical guidelines, and quantum technology cooperation—were not merely academic exchanges but involved both sides proactively setting concrete goals. During the meeting, both countries shared their respective key AI strategies. South Korea recently announced plans to establish an AI safety research institute, taking proactive steps to address issues of technological ethics and safety. France has consistently emphasized ethical guidelines alongside AI technology development, which serves as a crucial common ground for cooperation between the two nations. It is understood that both countries engaged in in-depth discussions regarding Korea's efforts to establish AI ethical guidelines. At a time when the US-China AI development race is dominated by major powers focusing on infrastructure and technological prowess, the AI cooperation between Korea and France can be interpreted as an attempt by middle powers to secure technological independence through strategic alliances. Quantum technology cooperation is also drawing attention. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has been collaborating with Quandela, a French quantum computing company, for the past three years, and this meeting served to further deepen their partnership. The two institutions agreed to strengthen cooperation in quantum hardware manufacturing and the establishment of a supply chain for materials, components, and equipment (MCE), leveraging KAIST's national quantum fab infrastructure. This signifies a progression beyond simple research collaboration to industrial-level cooperation involving actual manufacturing infrastructure and supply chain development. Notably, Quandela plans to establish an international cooperation center, the 'Quandela Hub,' within KAIST starting in 2026, as part of its entry into the Korean market. Quandela is currently recognized as one of the most prominent quantum companies not only in France but across Europe, and this collaboration with KAIST is expected to significantly accelerate advancements in quantum computing and quantum communication. The Quandela Hub is anticipated to serve as an international cooperation platform for quantum technology researchers and companies in Korea. This will further solidify Korea's quantum technology ecosystem, encompassing both software and hardware. One pillar of AI science and technology cooperation is the establishment of global standards to ensure AI safety and ethical use. The Korean government is implementing innovative cooperation policies with France to ensure AI technology benefits human society without negative impacts. This goal of ethical AI development will serve as an opportunity to promote responsible use of technology in the global community, moving beyond a purely technology-leading perspective. The AI ethical guidelines discussed at this joint committee are expected to form the basis for future joint international standardization efforts by both countries. Korean deep tech startups have also begun exploring avenues for global market entry through cooperation in both AI and quantum technologies. The Research and Development Special Zones Promotion Foundation, in collaboration with SATT Network, a French technology transfer acceleration center, has agreed to expand cooperation for fostering an innovative ecosystem. This includes reviewing the status of deep tech commercialization cooperation, identifying and matching demonstration demands between companies, linking investments, and promoting international joint research. This collaboration acts as a bridge, moving beyond laboratory-centric technology development to the creation of products and services that can be practically utilized by businesses and consumers. In particular, the program for identifying and matching demonstration demands provides Korean deep tech companies with oppor
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