- First comprehensive overhaul of the national large-scale R&D investment review system in 18 years
- Laying the foundation for global technological leadership by shifting from economy-focused preliminary feasibility studies to an R&D-tailored investment and management system
【Related National Agenda】 26. System innovation to position Korea among the world’s top five science and technology powers
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyunghoon, announced that the “Comprehensive Reform Plan for the Pre-evaluation System for Large-scale R&D Projects” was approved on February 12, 2026 at the fifth meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology (PACST), chaired by the President. The Plan aims to overhaul the investment and management framework for large-scale national R&D projects following the abolition of the preliminary feasibility study (Pre-F/S).
The reform is designed to maintain the enhanced speed and flexibility secured through the abolition of Pre-F/S, while strengthening oversight functions to prevent inadequate project planning and inefficient budget use. Under the new framework, the threshold for large-scale R&D projects subject to pre-evaluation will be raised from KRW 50 billion to KRW 100 billion. This adjustment reflects both the growing trend toward large-scale strategic investments amid intensifying global technological competition and cumulative inflation since the system’s introduction in 1999. Unlike the previous Pre-F/S system – which applied a uniform evaluation process to all R&D projects – the new framework introduces a differentiated approach. Projects will be classified into “research-type” and “infrastructure-type”, with tailored evaluation mechanisms applied to reflect the specific characteristics of each category.
① Introducing a “Project Planning Review” to strengthen the quality of research-type R&D
“Research-type” R&D refers to projects centered on research and development activities, including the development of strategic technologies – such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology and biotechnology – as well as technology commercialization and workforce development. This category particularly requires the speed and flexibility that underpin the abolition of Pre-F/S.
For new research-type R&D projects with a budget of KRW 100 billion or more, a “Project Planning Review” will conducted prior to budget deliberation to assess the completeness of project plans. This review serves as a preliminary screening mechanism to complement the limited timeframe of budget deliberations by the Science, Technology and Innovation Office, and will be carried out over approximately five months, starting in November of the year preceding the budget submission. The results will be notified to relevant ministries in March and used to refine project proposals and inform the formulation of budget requests.
② Introducing a full lifecycle review system to ensure systematic management of infrastructure-type R&D
“Infrastructure-type” R&D includes projects such as the construction of large-scale research facilities and equipment, the development of research complexes and system development in sectors such as space. These projects involve high levels of management complexity, entail significant sunk costs in the event of failure and require continuous operational funding even after completion. Accordingly, careful investment decisions and systematic management are more critical than rapid implementation. Against this backdrop, a full lifecycle review system will be introduced for infrastructure-type R&D projects with a budget of KRW 100 billion or more, enabling systematic oversight of the entire process from project planning through to completion, including Project Implementation Review.
1) Project Implementation Review
The Project Implementation Review includes the verification of actual demand from the research community, ensuring that infrastructure-type R&D projects are pursued based on scientific and technological needs identified in the field. Going forward, relevant ministries will be required to formulate projects based on demand derived through private sector-led consultations, including input from academic societies and professional associations. This consultation mechanism will be piloted in 2026 and fully incorporated into the review requirements from 2027. In addition, projects driven by national policy priorities will also be required to collect and substantiate field-level input at the planning stage, with supporting evidence duly provided.
2) Integrated Design Review
Projects that have passed the Project Implementation Review will be required to undergo an Integrated Design Review upon completion of the design phase. The projects subject to this review will be determined at the Project Implementation Review stage, depending on whether they involve technology development and/or detailed design components. The Integrated Design Review comprehensively assesses not only the completeness of the design, but also the status of technology readiness, detailed implementation plans, construct-ability and site suitability. Through this review, the project budget required for construction, including the establishment of research facilities and equipment, will be finalized. At this stage, the overall project scope and site will also be confirmed. However, if the level of technology readiness is deemed significantly insufficient, or if the project is found no longer necessary, the project may be discontinued at this stage. This mechanism helps prevent the continued allocation of unnecessary budget, thereby enhancing investment efficiency and fiscal soundness.
3) Major Project Modification Review
The Major Project Modification Review assesses the necessity of project adjustments driven by shifting internal or external factors, such as inflation, currency fluctuations, or changes in applied technologies. Unlike the “Project Adequacy Re-evaluation” under the National Finance Act, this Review facilitates agile project execution by scaling its scope—from comprehensive reassessments to specific line-item audits—based on the timing and nature of the change.
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) plans to quickly proceed with the enactment of administrative rules governing the inspection standards, methods, and procedures of this system. Furthermore, it intends to continue holding on-site briefing sessions for ministries, specialized agencies, and field researchers to ensure the new system takes root stably in the field.
Bae Kyunghoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, said, “The reform of the R&D investment review system, following the abolition of the Preliminary Feasibility Study system after 18 years, represents one of the most significant milestones in Korea’s science and technology policy, in terms of enhancing both the speed of large-scale R&D and the efficiency of fiscal investment.” He added, “Through this reform, Korea will be able to establish a globally competitive system for R&D investment and management, laying the foundation to leap from a fast-follower to a leading global innovator.
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.