The Ministry of Science and ICT's 2026 budget has been finalized at 23.7417 trillion won. That is 74.6 billion won more than the government proposal and 2.7582 trillion won higher than the 2025 supplementary budget (20.9835 trillion won). The ministry concentrated allocations in four areas to break out of the low-growth phase and accelerate a shift to an innovation economy: a nationwide artificial intelligence (AI) great transition, nurturing next (NEXT) strategic technologies, building a robust R&D ecosystem, and balanced growth based on science, technology, and digital.
First, a total of 510 billion won will go into the "AI great transition" area. This includes building the so-called "AI expressway" to expand AI infrastructure, developing next-generation AI breakthrough technologies, cultivating key talent, spreading AI across all industrial and public sectors, and integrating AI into every stage of existing R&D. The government envisions making AI the foundation for productivity innovation across all industries.
To secure "next strategic technologies," 590 billion won was allocated. The plan is to expand investment in national strategic technologies such as semiconductors, advanced bio, and quantum, while pushing to restructure the financial framework of Government-funded research institute to shift from a specific project-centered approach to a mission-oriented research system.
The R&D ecosystem-building area will receive 450 billion won. Korea will strengthen the research workforce base by increasing investment in basic research, fostering national scientists, expanding national scholarships and research life incentives, and attracting outstanding overseas talent. In addition, by investing 700 billion won, the government will expand region-led autonomous R&D and support balanced regional growth through science culture experiences and projects to bridge the digital divide.
The government's overall R&D budget also rose sharply. The total government R&D budget for 2026 is 3.55 trillion won, up 590 billion won (19.9%) from 2025 (2.96 trillion won). The share relative to total expenditure is about 4.9%. Next year's R&D budget will be prioritized for advancing future strategic industries such as AI (next-generation and physical AI), energy and carbon neutrality (building an energy grid centered on renewables), strategic technologies (quantum and semiconductors), and defense R&D. At the same time, the focus is on restoring the research ecosystem damaged by budget cuts under the previous administration—including basic research, talent development, grants-funded institutions, and regional R&D—and shifting it to a sustainable structure.