Prioritizing Strategic Fields for International Collaborative Research In Healthcare: A Focus on Korea-UK Partnership

Global collaboration in healthcare research has become increasingly essential for addressing complex health challenges. While Korea and the UK have established cooperative efforts, a structured methodology for selecting priority areas for joint research remains underdeveloped.

This study employed a three-dimensional framework to prioritize collaborative fields between Korea and the UK, integrating technological competitiveness, the need for international collaboration, and policy alignment. Thirty-five healthcare technologies were assessed using data from the 2022 Healthcare Industry Technology Level Evaluation by KHIDI. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate Korea’s technology levels, and survey responses identified collaboration needs. Policy alignment was assessed via qualitative analysis of investment priorities from the MRC and NIHR. Each technology was scored from 0 to 6 based on the three evaluation dimensions, and those scoring 5 or above were selected as priority areas.

Among 35 evaluated technologies, xenotransplantation and medical data standardization were identified as top priorities. This was based on comparatively low competitiveness in Korea, need of high international collaboration, and strong alignment with UK policy directions.

These two areas address global health challenges and offer mutual benefits: xenotransplantation can alleviate organ shortages, while standardizing medical data is crucial for AI-driven diagnostics and the interoperability of healthcare systems. . The findings emphasize the strategic necessity of bilateral coordination.

This study presents a replicable, evidence-based framework for identifying strategic international healthcare R&D partnerships. The approach may inform future policy decisions and facilitate practical bilateral cooperation between Korea and other global partners.