국가핵심기술 보유기관 판정제도 개선 방향에 대한 탐색적 연구

초록

In the current era of “Techno-geopolitics,” characterized by intensifying international competition over technological supremacy, Korea designates certain technologies as “National Core Technologies” under the Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology. These technologies are selected due to their high technological and economic value, significant growth potential in related industries, and potential severe negative impacts on national security and economic development if leaked abroad. However, the designation of a National Core Technology itself does not automatically impose legal obligations. Rather, institutions must voluntarily apply for assessment to determine if they indeed possess such technologies. Consequently, only institutions officially recognized as holding these technologies are subject to legal obligations. This structure inevitably creates gaps where institutions, whether through benign neglect or malicious intent, avoid applying for assessment and thus evade regulatory oversight. To address this issue, the government plans to implement an amended ｢Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology｣ starting July 22, 2025, introducing mechanisms such as the “National Core Technology Possession Verification System.” Under this system, government authorities can proactively recommend assessment applications to institutions suspected of possessing National Core Technologies. This study examines the validity of the new system and conducts a comparative analysis with technology protection measures in other major countries, aiming to propose improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the system.

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