Transformation of R&D System into Innovative R&D and Expansion Plans for 2025 R&D Investment Discussed at the Sub-Committee Meeting under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology

- Sub-committees under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology convened to review the achievements and challenges of R&D innovation under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.

- There were requests for the advisory council to complete the transition to an innovative R&D system within this year and aim to scale up R&D investments in 2025 based on these improvements.

On April 3rd, 2024, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) hosted a meeting of the sub-committees under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology. The meeting included about 20 participants, featuring Park Sang-wook, the Senior Secretary to the President for Science and Technology (Secretary of the Advisory Council), along with the chairpersons and members of the sub-committees. The MSIT presented the agenda of "Transforming Support Mechanisms for Innovative R&D" and " Government R&D Investment Direction for Science and Technology Innovation and Future Generations in 2025," sparking extensive discussions.

The government acknowledges the necessity for a comprehensive reform of the R&D system towards a globally leading, pioneering R&D approach. This initiative was solidified with the passage and announcement of the 'Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s R&D Innovation Plan' through the advisory council last November. Many initiatives from the plan have already been implemented, with the remainder expected to be completed within the year.

The aim of this meeting was to collect expert insights to thoroughly transition our R&D system to a model of innovative R&D by the end of the year, building on prior achievements, and to kickstart the quantitative and qualitative expansion of R&D from next year. The meeting began with opening remarks by Park Sang-wook, followed by agenda presentations from the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and an open discussion.

Park Sang-wook, serving as a secretary member of the advisory council, noted, "The President stated that last year marked the initial steps towards 'innovative R&D.' Now, we are poised for a significant increase in R&D investments, including the three game-changing technologies such as AI, quantum technology, and advanced biotechnology." He stressed the imperative for the government to finalize the reforms towards an innovative R&D-focused support system.

He further articulated the need for the government to back researchers and transparently disclose their results to the public, mentioning the government’s ongoing commitment to communicate with the research community and to improve outdated systems that impede research. Park emphasized the advisory council's crucial role in this transformative process, acting as a vital link between the government and the research sphere, and he solicited their ongoing support. He also highlighted the proactive efforts of the President’s Office, in collaboration with related ministries, to ensure rapid integration of the innovative R&D strategy across research fields.

Highlights from the Presentations:

[ Presentation 1: Transforming Support Mechanisms for Innovative R&D ]

The first presentation outlined the achievements and remaining tasks, as well as the expected changes to the R&D system.

➊ (Timeliness and Just in time) Funding will be promptly provided when needed to prevent delays from the planning to the commencement of research. The preliminary feasibility study (PFS) process will see significant enhancements, and fiscal year alignment guidelines will be reviewed to facilitate the initiation of research projects throughout the year.

➋ (Trust and Transparency) Enhancements to evaluation processes will include the abolition of the ‘same-institution conflict of interest avoidance system’ and the use of AI for selecting evaluation committee members. A transparent research environment will be established by disclosing research cost and outcomes to the public.

➌ (Co-petition) Barriers between ministries and institutions will be removed to strengthen research capabilities across industry, academia, research institutes, and hospitals. International cooperation, such as joint research with top global researchers, will be facilitated through engagement in multilateral cooperation platforms and the expansion of global flagship projects.

❹ (Innovation and Challenge) Emphasis will be placed on innovative and challenging R&D to boldly invest in the first-to-market and best-in-class research efforts, creating a conducive environment for young researchers to freely pursue their interests.

[ Presentation 2: Government R&D Investment Direction for Science and Technology Innovation and Future Generations in 2025 ]

The 2025 government R&D investment strategy, defined by Article 12-2 of the Framework Act on Science and Technology, provides strategic direction and foundational principles for next year’s government R&D investment, guiding the allocation and adjustment of the R&D budget. After thorough consultations with the advisory council, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has communicated this investment direction for 2025 to the relevant ministries. The detailed investment direction and the plans for enhancing the investment system as included in the 2025 government plan are as follows:

The keyword for government R&D investment in 2025 is 'first-to-market and best-in-class investment,' which seeks to elevate the ambitious scope of national R&D initiatives. This approach not only nurtures the aspirations of future generations but also establishes them as pivotal contributors to national innovation. Focused support is directed towards bold national objectives, including spearheading global technological advancements and aiming to position among the top three in three major game-changing technologies by 2030.

Furthermore, to maximize the effectiveness of government investment and tailor the system to align with "first-to-market and best-in-class investment," the government is pushing for strategic reforms as follows:

➊ Operating an efficient budget allocation and adjustment system where all ministries work as one team.

➋ Transitioning to a swift and flexible investment system to respond to rapidly evolving technological landscape.

➌ Establishing a transparent budget system that earns public trust, complemented by ongoing enhancements to ensure all systems are optimally aligned with pioneering R&D efforts.

The MSIT is committed to rapidly advancing these reforms to transition towards innovative R&D within the current year. This includes engaging in extensive dialogue with the research community to foster a consensus on innovation and implementing rigorous monitoring to prevent any unforeseen challenges.

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. 

Please refer to the attached PDF.