Attracting Global Talent

Securing High-Caliber Professionals for Technological Innovation

The Growing Importance of Global Talent Acquisition

In today's rapidly evolving global economy, technological innovation is the key to securing national and corporate competitiveness. At the heart of innovation lies top-tier talent, making the attraction of highly skilled professionals from abroad a crucial strategy. A famous example from South Korea is Lee Kun-hee, the former chairman of Samsung, personally recruiting Yoon Jong-yong to revitalize the company’s VCR business in 1988.

🔗 Samsung’s Leadership and Talent Strategy

Countries around the world are actively competing to attract top talent, recognizing that securing world-class experts is essential for technological advancement.

China’s Aggressive Talent Recruitment Strategy

China is investing heavily in attracting PhD-level professionals from the U.S. in critical technology fields such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). The country offers incentives of up to 900 million KRW (~$670,000) to lure these experts back.

China’s well-known Thousand Talents Plan (TTP) and Ten Thousand Talents Plan have sparked controversy, but one thing remains clear: China is determined to secure global technological leadership by recruiting elite talent.

🔗 China Offers $670,000 Incentives to Lure U.S. PhDs

South Korea’s Need for a Proactive Talent Strategy

At ComeUP 2022, a major startup and innovation conference in South Korea, experts emphasized the importance of institutional incentives to attract global talent. South Korea must establish competitive recruitment programs to ensure its technological competitiveness.

Several South Korean startups have already benefited from attracting international professionals:

✅ Seoul Robotics – A leading autonomous driving startup, where 40% of employees are foreign nationals. This global workforce has given the company a competitive edge in the German market.

✅ Rebellions – A semiconductor startup focused on attracting Korean semiconductor experts abroad, leveraging their expertise to strengthen South Korea’s chip industry.

🔗 Panel Discussion on Global Talent at ComeUP 2022
🔗 Korea’s Semiconductor Startup Strategy

Leveraging Korean Scientists and Engineers Abroad

There is also an untapped reservoir of Korean scientists and engineers living overseas, conducting cutting-edge research in various fields. These professionals can be engaged in two ways:

1️⃣ Encouraging Return Migration

  • Support their reintegration into Korean corporations and research institutions.
  • Offer customized incentives such as housing, education, and tax benefits.

2️⃣ Supporting Overseas Entrepreneurs

  • Encourage Korean entrepreneurs abroad to launch startups in their host countries.
  • Provide investment opportunities through corporate venture capital (CVC) and facilitate proof-of-concept (PoC) partnerships with major Korean companies.

Israel: A Model for Talent Acquisition

A notable case study is Israel, which successfully absorbed thousands of skilled professionals from the former Soviet Union in the early 1990s, significantly advancing its technology sector.

Today, Israel continues to prioritize attracting foreign high-tech talent through government programs. The Israeli Innovation Authority (IIA) and State Population and Immigration Authority have launched dedicated visa programs to attract foreign experts in cutting-edge technologies.

In April 2022, Israel further expanded this program to include Ukrainian tech specialists and their families, recognizing the strategic importance of welcoming global talent.

🔗 Israeli Innovation Authority: Visa Incentives for High-Tech Experts

Conclusion: Global Talent Acquisition as a Necessity, Not an Option

Securing highly skilled professionals from abroad is no longer just an option—it is a necessity for maintaining national and corporate competitiveness.

To strengthen technological leadership, South Korea must:

✅ Offer Competitive Incentives – Provide tailored financial and non-financial benefits to attract and retain top talent.
✅ Foster an Open and Inclusive Work Environment – Encourage international collaboration and integration within companies and research institutions.
✅ Develop Strategic Talent Recruitment Programs – Learn from China and Israel by implementing government-backed initiatives for global talent acquisition.

In the era of technological innovation, attracting world-class talent is the foundation for future success. Countries and corporations that secure the best minds will shape the next era of global technological leadership.

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About the Author: Drytree

About the Author: Drytree (Jaehoon Lee) I am a senior researcher specializing in deep tech startups, technology commercialization, and R&BD strategy at a national research institute in South Korea. With a deep curiosity about the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on society, I have been writing under the pen name Drytree since 2021, aiming to make complex technological trends more accessible and foster informed discussions on innovation and policy. My academic background is diverse, spanning Political Science (B.A.), International Politics (M.A.), and currently, a Ph.D. in Technology Management & Entrepreneurship . I have published 13 academic papers in domestic and international journals, covering topics such as patent analysis, technology security, and industrial policy . Books & Publications I have authored several books exploring technology, startups, and geopolitical implications of innovation , including: Elon Musk’s DOGE: The Dawn of a New Economic Exper...
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