INPACE Symposium Kicks Off Successful First Edition in Seoul: Strengthening EU-Indo-Pacific Digital Collaboration 

The INPACE International Symposium on Digital Technologies and Policies took place on October 21-22, 2024, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and top experts from Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. Over two days, the event delved into how Europe and key Indo-Pacific partners—South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and India—can collaborate to shape the future of digital technologies and policies. Through a series of sessions focusing on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, 5G/6G, and cybersecurity, the symposium explored opportunities for fostering sustainable, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystems.

Day 1: Policy and Technical Sessions on 5G/6G, AI, Semiconductors, and Digital Skills

Day 1 kicked off with a closed-door policy roundtable on “The EU – ROK Digital Partnership: From Policy to Practice.” The session highlighted the progress and challenges of the EU-ROK Digital Partnership Agreement (DPA), covering critical areas such as semiconductors, high-performance computing (HPC), quantum technologies, AI, and 5G/6G. The discussions underscored the importance of policy alignment and technological cooperation to strengthen digital ties between Europe and South Korea.

In parallel to the policy discussions, the symposium’s technical sessions commenced with a presentation on “First Results of the R&I Panorama and Roadmapping Activity.” This session provided a comprehensive overview of synergies in digital policies, strategies, and R&D programs between the EU and Indo-Pacific countries. Attendees explored how these insights could inform future cooperation, with a particular focus on ICT research and development initiatives and potential collaborations in emerging technologies.

Later in the day, the sessions “CloudEdgeIoT: Enabling the Connected Computing Continuum”, “Trustworthiness in AI: Data and Governance Challenges” and “Chips for the Future: Technical Challenges and Cooperation” took center stage. Experts explored how technologies such as cloud computing, edge computing, and IoT could converge to create a collaborative digital environment. In the semiconductor space, discussions revolved around the challenges of developing next-generation chips, including supply chain resilience, R&D roadmaps, and international cooperation. In the AI discussion, the experts addressed both technological and ethical challenges, from data interoperability to the socio-technical factors that shape human-AI interactions. These sessions demonstrated the importance of collaborative efforts to drive innovation in the digital sector across regions.

The afternoon of Day 1 featured a series of technical discussions that delved into key areas of digital innovation. The session “5G/6G: Challenges and Opportunities” explored the future of mobile communication technologies, with a focus on the hurdles and collaborative solutions needed to advance 6G development between Europe, South Korea, and Japan. In the “Trusted AI in Industry” session, panelists discussed the growing importance of AI in real-time industrial applications, emphasizing the need for trustworthy and transparent AI systems in sectors like manufacturing. Meanwhile, “Digital Education and Skills” highlighted the critical role of digital literacy and education in preparing the workforce for the evolving digital economy, with insights into successful cross-regional initiatives aimed at enhancing digital competencies across Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Rounding off Day 1, the “Reports from Technical Sessions” provided a detailed summary of the day’s discussions, offering key takeaways from each of the sessions. Participants reflected on the challenges and opportunities raised throughout the day, laying the groundwork for deeper exploration of these topics on Day 2.

Finally, the session on EU Funding Opportunities, co-facilitated by INPACE Project Coordinator Svetlana Klessova, provided participants with valuable insights into the various funding mechanisms available for joint research and innovation projects between Europe and Indo-Pacific partners. Attendees learned about key programs like Horizon Europe and the Eureka initiative, which offer substantial support for advancing digital collaboration across regions.

After the official closing of the first day, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, marking a significant step in fostering digital collaboration. These MoUs, signed between INPACE and the IoT Convergence & Open Sharing System, the Digital Twin Researcher Forum, and Sejong University, will drive innovation in IoT, Digital Twins, and advanced technologies. This partnership strengthens cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, paving the way for future advancements in the digital realm and continuing to support the implementation of the Digital Partnerships and Trade and Technology Council.

Day 2: Addressing Challenges in AI, Digital Education, and Cybersecurity

Day 2 ‘s agenda at the INPACE International Symposium began with insightful opening speeches from key figures, including INPACE Project Coordinator Svetlana Klessova, JaeSeung Song from Sejong University, Wooyoung Hong, Vice President of Sejong University, and Chang-Won Ahn, Digital Convergence PM at the Government of the Republic of Korea. These speakers set the stage for the day’s discussions by emphasizing the importance of digital collaboration between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, highlighting shared goals in advancing innovation, policy, and technology in the digital space.

The starting session on “EU’s Digital Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific: Challenges and Opportunities” provided a broader perspective on the region’s digital transformation. The panelists outlined the need for long-term strategies to build digital resilience, promote skills development, and enhance policy alignment. This set the foundation for deeper discussions throughout the day, including in areas like AI and smart cities.

Following this, the “Smart and Sustainable Regions and Cities” session focused on how cities in the Indo-Pacific and Europe are addressing urbanization, climate change, and digital governance challenges. Participants explored the role of interoperable data spaces in fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and innovation. Insights from India’s urban data management strategies and a framework for tracking progress toward carbon neutrality in smart cities provided a valuable look at the global digital urban landscape.

The session on “Human-Centric AI for Citizens” underscored the need for AI systems that prioritize human collaboration, trust, and ethical decision-making. Experts discussed how human-AI interaction can be aligned with societal goals, emphasizing psychological and social considerations in AI design. Meanwhile, “Cybersecurity, IoT, and 5G: Challenges, Stakes, and Potential Solutions” focused on security challenges in the context of IoT and 5G technologies. The session brought forward solutions to ensure safe and secure digital environments, highlighting how cooperation between Europe and Indo-Pacific nations can address these issues effectively.

Another key session on Day 2 included “Chips for the Future: Roadmapping, R&D, and Resilient Supply Chains”, which built upon the semiconductor discussions from the previous day, focusing on the critical technologies driving future electronic systems. Participants explored the challenges and opportunities in developing resilient semiconductor supply chains, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, joint R&D activities, and robust roadmaps to secure the future of this vital industry. Cooperation between the EU and Indo-Pacific partners like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore was highlighted as essential for strengthening global semiconductor ecosystems.

Finally, the “Cybersecurity, IoT, and 5G” session at the INPACE Symposium brought together experts to discuss the critical challenges and solutions needed to secure the rapidly evolving landscape of connected technologies. With the increasing integration of IoT devices and the advancement of 5G networks, the session highlighted the growing cybersecurity risks that come with the next generation of connectivity. Participants explored strategies for mitigating these risks, emphasizing the importance of robust security frameworks, international cooperation, and cross-sector collaboration to safeguard the future of digital infrastructure across regions. This session underscored the pivotal role of cybersecurity in building resilient, secure, and trustworthy digital ecosystems in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

The symposium wrapped up with a closing session where Svetlana Klessova introduced the INPACE Hub, an initiative designed to support Digital Partnerships between the EU and Indo-Pacific nations, including South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and India. She emphasized the Hub’s role in facilitating collaboration through Thematic Working Groups, which will enable expert dialogues between industries, governments, and research institutions. The Hub’s Community Platform will serve as a central resource for stakeholders, driving further cooperation in digital innovation.

Day 3: INPACE Consortium Aligns Future Plans Following Successful Symposium in Republic of Korea 

The day after the International Symposium on Digital Technologies and Policies in Seoul, the INPACE consortium gathered for a meeting to reflect on the event’s outcomes. During the meeting, the team celebrated the symposium’s success and aligned plans for upcoming activities. These include a series of webinars, the next symposium in Singapore, and a workshop in Japan. The team is excited to continue fostering international collaboration in digital technologies and policies in the months ahead.