INSTAR has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with the Republic of Korea Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) and with the Quantum INdustrial Standard Association (QuINSA).
INSTAR works closely with its international partners to advance ICT standardisation and foster global dialogue. On this page, you can explore the public joint initiatives developed with them.
The collaboration has actually delivered results that far exceeded our initial expectations. While our original objective was focused on the development of a joint standardisation roadmap, the project served as a catalyst for much broader strategic cooperation.
INSTAR provided a platform to discuss expanded joint research initiatives across various emerging technologies. Most notably, it acted as a gateway to a global network. From a policy perspective, this partnership has been instrumental in building the essential network required to implement the Korea-EU Digital Partnership. It has evolved from a technical project into a vital diplomatic and research bridge that strengthens our global standing.
We have successfully developed a highly systematic and practical roadmap across key technology sectors. This document is more than just a plan, it serves as a foundational bridge that enables the industries of both Korea and Europe to collaborate directly on standards development. While producing such a comprehensive result seemed like a daunting challenge at the outset, the depth of our mutual discussions made it possible. Establishing a strategic partnership within global standard-setting organisations, driven specifically by industry leaders from both regions, is a remarkable feat. Seeing the private sector take center stage in shaping these results is, in my view, the most meaningful outcome of our work together.
Our work with INSTAR represents a significant evolution in our approach, driven by highly specific, tangible deliverables. This outcome-oriented focus allowed us to expand cooperation into new technological domains and embrace a broader range of global partners beyond Korea and the EU.
The most memorable example occurred during the 2025 Global ICT Standards Conference (GISC) in Seoul. Leveraging the active participation of INSTAR members, we successfully led a global session that significantly strengthened our network with partners from Australia, Japan, and other key nations. This event was a turning point, demonstrating the immense potential for the Korea-EU network to serve as a hub for wider global cooperation. It proved that the foundation built through INSTAR is not just a bilateral bridge, but a scalable model for international synergy in the ICT sector.
The collaboration has been successful in terms of building a strategic foundation for long-term partnership. Our primary goal was to establish a formal communication channel with European standardisation experts, and INSTAR has effectively facilitated this. By sharing high-level visions on quantum technology, we have confirmed that our strategic directions are aligned, which we believe is the most essential first step for global standardisation.
The most valuable result is the establishment of a "Technical Consensus Network" between QuINSA and European stakeholders. Rather than a single physical output, the fact that we now have a dedicated platform to discuss and harmonise our standardisation roadmaps is highly significant. This network serves as a critical asset for ensuring the global relevance of our future technological contributions.
INSTAR has enhanced our global visibility by providing direct access to the European standardization ecosystem. An example was the specialised knowledge-sharing session where we explored the convergence of European and Korean quantum standards. This interaction allowed us to understand the practical requirements of the European market firsthand, helping us transition from a local perspective to a more comprehensive global standpoint in our standardisation strategy.
