Qatar Foundation plans partnership with South Korean science and technology organization

Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D) is partnering with the Korea Institute of Science & Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP) program so both initiatives can use strategies from the other to develop and grow offerings.

The idea for the collaboration took root last year when Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) chair, visited South Korea.

QF R&D, an arm of QF, focuses mainly on delivering learning skills to those interested in the areas of science and research. KISTEP's role is very similar in South Korea, where the program has been very successful.

“KISTEP shares a similar vision and mission to QF R&D, and that’s why partnering with KISTEP comes as a logical strategic step, where we exchange expertise and utilize both networks to further the research agenda,” QF R&D Executive Vice President Hamad Al Ibrahim said. “Partnering with KISTEP will fill the uncertainty gap and will help us to prepare better business plans through KISTEP’s very sophisticated tools, such as foresight technology planning.”

Officials from both organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a non-binding agreement that simply expresses the desire of the organizations to work together.

“We hope to share our knowledge and experience in science and technology planning, coordination and evaluation systems with QF R&D,” KISTEP President Young Ah Park said. “As both QF R&D and KISTEP dedicate efforts to establish national policy and development strategies for the advancement of science and technology, I believe we can share valuable insights to promote innovation and the joint growth of both our countries.”