Between Two Whales

Tensions between the United States and China have shaped the two countries’ approach to everything from military spending to trade policy to technology strategy. But this competition also affects other nations. For a country like South Korea, which has security and economic ties with both superpowers, the situation can feel like “a shrimp pressed between two whales,” in one analyst’s memorable phrase.

Navigating scientific collaborations can be especially tricky?because both China and the United States see cutting-edge research in fields such as artificial intelligence as vital to their national security. In response to such geopolitical shifts, writes Kyung Ryul Park , South Korea is building closer scientific ties with Europe. The country has undertaken an “abrupt and bold” policy experiment: after decreasing its investment in domestic R&D, South Korea has joined the European Union’s research and innovation program, Horizon Europe.

How this experiment plays out could “profoundly remodel the landscape of global science,” writes Park—and offer insights for other nations. “South Korea’s transition could provide lessons for how emerging countries can enhance the value of global public goods while promoting innovation.”

Read more about South Korea’s policy experiment and its implications for global scientific collaboration.