Date
2015.01.16
(SEJONG=NEWSIS) "We will strive to promote the manufacturing innovation 3.0 strategy. We will create a new future growth engine through core technology development, including the Internet of things, 3D printing, big data and process innovation that includes expanding smart plants," said Korean President Park Geun-hye during a New Year press conference held January 12.
A smart plant, which has been mentioned by President Park, refers to a plant that enhances the efficiency of production and quality management by grafting state-of-the-art information and communications technology onto the production line of small- and medium-sized companies (SMEs).
Smart plants can improve product quality and increase energy efficiency through real-time production management.
Countries including Germany, the United States, China and Great Britain have been expanding smart plants over the last four to five years to go from low- to high-cost production structures.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy plans to expand the number of smart plants in the manufacturing industry to 500 by 2015 and 10,000 by 2020.
As part of a measure to boost manufacturing-related innovation, the government will support research and development on eight core technologies for smart processes and improve the investment environment of the manufacturing industry.
The government will also find ways to encourage long-term employment in the manufacturing industry.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced a revised youth internship program for SMEs on January 7 that will give young workers on the production line KRW 3 million in employment support instead of KRW 2.2 million.
oj1001@newsis.com
Source Text
Source: Newsis (January. 12, 2015)
** This article was translated from the Korean.