- 2025/05/09
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The 2025 APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting opened on February 24th in Gyeongju, Korea, with the PPSTI (Policy Partnership for Science, Technology and Innovation) policy dialogues focusing on development and governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced biotechnology, and quantum technology. Given the rapid advent of these technologies, all economies are seeking to strike a balance between the promotion of technological innovations and the management of technological risks. The PPSTI theme for this year is to “Leading inclusive development with APEC human resources, powered by open innovation and emerging technologies”. There are three overarching priorities: strengthening STI (scientific and technological innovation) capacity; Fostering research and development collaboration through open innovation to address grand challenges; and Enhancing linkages by maximizing the socio-economic value of emerging technologies.
As the host of APEC 2025, Korea placed particular emphasis on the connection between technological innovation and human resource development, and integrated this issue into the center stage of the PPSTI policy dialogue. Korea called on all economies to strengthen regional cooperation in the face of global technological competition, enhance technological transfers and industrial application capabilities, and ensure technological development is aligned with social needs and ethical standards. This dialogue served as a regional cooperation platform where economies shared experiences and challenges and collectively explored best practices in technological innovation.
The potential of AI applications in smart manufacturing, agricultural technology, and environmental monitoring garnered significant attention. Participants were particularly interested in how AI can enhance data analysis and automation. For example, smart machinery and cloud systems in Taiwan are improving manufacturing efficiency. AIoT (AI Internet-of-Things) technology is helping the pelagic fishery industry to reduce fuel consumption and enhance catch efficiency. However, representatives from different economies also pointed out the challenges brought by AI development, such as data privacy, bias, and fairness. It is hence necessary to establish more comprehensive governance frameworks to ensure the transparency and trustworthiness of technological applications.
In the realm of advanced biotechnology, discussions centered on innovative applications in regenerative medicine, cellular and genetic engineering, and concerns about technological ethics and privacy protection. Many experts emphasized that biotechnology can offer new options for patients with chronic or rare diseases, but it also raises controversial questions surrounding genetic data security and equitable access to medical resources. Some economies shared collaboration cases in medical technology and biopharmaceuticals, demonstrating that cross-border cooperation and standardized development can enhance the accessibility of medical innovations within the region.
In terms of quantum technology, economies were particularly focused on its applications in cybersecurity, complex system simulation, financial computing, and energy management. As quantum computing may potentially impact existing encryption technologies and data security architectures, participants suggested the establishment of regional cooperation mechanisms to jointly research the effects of quantum technology on cybersecurity and data protection. Some economies have invested in industry-academia collaborations in quantum computing and communications security, including emphasizing talent exchange programs to cultivate the next generation of quantum technology experts.
These three emerging technologies are advancing in their own right, but there are also usage cases for the integration of these technologies. Examples are AI-driven genetic analysis platforms; molecular design supported by quantum computing; and epidemic forecasting and vaccine design, in which AI is combined with quantum technology. All these demonstrate the potential of cross-technological integration and are worthy of in-depth exploration.
That said, it is necessary to carefully manage the risks arising from the booming development of emerging technologies. The OECD presented a forward-looking framework for governance at the meeting and emphasized that technological development must take into consideration five key aspects: value orientation, strategic intelligence, engagement of stakeholders, flexible regulation, and international cooperation. This framework seeks to encourage innovation while ensuring the sustainability and social responsibility of emerging technologies. The OECD representative noted that the development of emerging technologies should incorporate long-term social impact assessments to minimize risks and maximize positive effects.
The technological policies of various economies also became a focal point of discussion. According to the observation shared by the representatives from Thailand, developed economies are taking the leading roles and are more focused on innovative applications of emerging technologies. In comparison, developing economies emphasize how to use these technologies to address immediate social problems. This perspective was supported by representatives of other economies. Developed economies e.g., the United States and Korea, are proactively promoting AI use cases in smart manufacturing, advanced medical technologies, and environmental monitoring. AI education and data governance are supported by policy. Developing economies such as Indonesia focus on the digital economy and inclusive development, and drive digital transformation programs to enhance the capabilities of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in applying AI and data technologies. Peru emphasizes technological innovation and social sustainable development, with particular attention on AI applications in environmental protection, agricultural technology, and water resource management, and competitiveness enhancement through technology talent cultivation programs.
Regarding the development of quantum technology, Korea prioritizes its applications in cybersecurity and communications security and encourages regional cooperation to promote technological standardization. Canada actively participates in industry-academia collaborations in quantum computing, quantum encryption, and quantum communications technologies, implements policies to ensure the safety of quantum technology, and stresses the importance of international cooperation to address the potential impacts on cybersecurity and data protection. In contrast, developing economies are currently less involved in the quantum technology domain.
With regard to technology governance and innovation policies, Canada promotes responsible innovation while emphasizing that technological applications should conform to ethical standards and seeks to ensure the transparency and fairness of technological development through international cooperation. The OECD recommends that economies reduce technological risks and enhance social trust via standardization and technology governance mechanisms. Meanwhile, Indonesia is also actively participating in regional digital infrastructure cooperation to improve data governance capabilities and cybersecurity standards.
As the host for this dialogue and a pioneer in driving technological developments, Korea demonstrated its policy approach to guiding AI applications and technology integration. Korea's policy report emphasized that technological innovation should proceed alongside human capital investment. Governments should support education and research programs to ensure that technological development benefits all social levels.
The policy dialogue facilitated technological exchange and served as a platform for APEC members to discuss the development strategies for emerging technologies.
As stated by Dr. Jang, Chair of the OECD Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP), “everything is about governance”. Economies must ensure technological applications align with social values and achieve a more inclusive and sustainable future through international cooperation.
As the host for APEC 2025, Korea enhanced its international influence by showcasing its culture and technology. Gyeongju was chosen as the meeting site because of its rich culture and history. The combination of the Silla-era cultural elements with modern technological applications e.g., AI education and smart beauty makeup inspection revealed a dual strategy of technological innovation and cultural heritage preservation. Around the conference venue, Korea arranged cultural experiences including traditional dance, tea ceremony demonstration, lantern making, and steel art to display its rich cultural heritage to the participants from all over the world.
This policy dialogue deepened the technological cooperation in the region and laid the foundations for APEC’s governance of emerging technologies in the future. Against the backdrop of rapid global technological changes, the question of how to promote innovation while maintaining fairness and social responsibility has become a shared concern among APEC members. The dialogue revealed that technology governance is not merely a technical issue, but a profound discussion involving technology policy formulation, international cooperation, and social values.
