LG Chem to invest KRW 15 trillion in R&D for semiconductor, mobility and robotics materials

Strategic goals

LG Chem intends to reshape its portfolio toward AI-based, high-growth industries—semiconductor, mobility, robotics materials—and anticancer drugs, aiming for a double-digit operating margin by 2030.

R&D funding and governance

The company will invest KRW 15 trillion in R&D by 2035 and allocate roughly 70% of those resources to growth businesses, prioritising AI-based applications and leading-edge technologies. A new business development organisation established in June reports directly to the CEO to accelerate execution; external growth including M&A will be pursued within available funding.

Business priorities and targets

In semiconductors and infrastructure, LG Chem will push advanced packaging materials—packaging adhesives, low-dielectric materials, thermal management materials and glass substrates—and aims to grow its electronic materials business to KRW 2 trillion by 2030, leveraging PID, DAF and CCL. In mobility and robotics, the scope expands beyond EV materials to robot structural materials, precision actuation and bonding materials, using joint development to build technological barriers. In anticancer drugs, the company will bolster pipeline competitiveness through global clinical trials, partnerships, technology licensing and M&A as a mid- to long-term growth driver.

Business model shift

LG Chem plans to evolve from a materials supplier into an integrated solutions company that co-designs material performance and customers’ manufacturing processes to reduce price-driven competition and build a higher-margin, more stable profit structure.