# Korea Times (October 13, 2004)
# By Kim Tae-gyu
Computer giant Hewlett-Packard on Tuesday opened its research and development (R&D) center in Seoul, named the Korea Development Center (KDC).
Hewlett-Packard chief executive Carly Fiorina, left, explains the firm's notebook computer to Information-Communication Minister Chin Dae-je at HP Korea's head office in Yoido, Seoul, Tuesday on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of HP's research center here. During the opening ceremony attended by HP CEO Carly Fiorina and chief researcher Frederick Kitson, HP revealed its five-year plan of investing about $40 million to operate the research lab.
``As Korea leads global telecom technologies powered by its state-of-the-art info-tech infrastructure and a crop of early adopters, we decided to establish the KDC,'' Kitson said.
The KDC plans to study cutting-edge technologies like the radio frequency identification (RFid) and ubiquitous mobility under partnership with the Korean government and a host of private companies.
Both emerging technologies are touted as futuristic solutions with bright outlooks.
The RFid tag, a small integrated-circuit chip with a radio circuit and an embedded identification code, is expected to replace current bar codes over the long haul.
Ubiquitous mobility refers to establishing both mobile and Internet infrastructures, which enables people to remain connected anywhere at any time, as well as developing top-shelf devices.
Marc McEachern, who formerly took charge of HP Japan's mobile and media system, will take full responsibility for such tasks as the first head of the KDC.
Between 40 and 50 research fellows will work for the KDC in the first stage with the aim of increasing its manpower.
Information-Communication Minister Chin Dae-je played a pivotal role in inducing the KDC as he had proposed a Korean R&D center during a meeting with Fiorina last year.
Since taking office early last year, Chin has pulled out all the stops to attract establishment of global high-tech titans' research centers or their relocation here.
The all-out efforts produced tangible results by encouraging Fraunhofer, Intel and IBM to set up their research labs here for this year alone.
Siemens also promised to shell out up to 100 million euros through Dasan Network, in which the German-based engineering giant has a 38.7-percent stake.
voc200@koreatimes.co.kr
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