More mid-sized and small companies are entering advanced industries using South Korea’s corporate restructuring scheme. The Industry Ministry panel approved 31 firms in three rounds from December to July, with plans to invest 439.5 billion won over five years and hire 927 people. Many shift existing process technologies into new markets such as semiconductor glass substrates, AR modules and EV components. The ministry is offering investment-attraction consulting, while petrochemicals pursue capacity cuts through separate restructuring projects.

The electric vehicle battery industry is focusing first on commercialising silicon anode technology rather than solid-state batteries, which are still seen as years from broad rollout. Automakers and battery companies are expanding use of silicon anodes to improve driving range and charging speed. General Motors views wider use of silicon anodes as a key short- to medium-term solution. Battery firms and EV makers cite performance gains, while efforts continue to scale production and improve cost competitiveness.