The budget of the Ministry of Science and ICT for next year has been finalized at 18.8967 trillion won, an increase of 5.47% compared to this year.
The Ministry of Science and ICT noted on the 10th, “The budget and fund operation plan for 2025 has been finalized through a vote in the National Assembly today.”
The Ministry of Science and ICT will focus its investment on four key areas: leading research and development (R&D) support, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation, nurturing core talent and expanding basic research, and strengthening strategic international cooperation.
First, leading R&D support will invest 3.5 trillion won in three game-changing technologies: AI semiconductors, advanced bio, and quantum. Additionally, 1 trillion won will be invested in innovative and challenging R&D and national strategic technologies, as well as government-funded research institutes, to support bold and innovative challenges in research.
Basic research will receive a record investment of 2.9 trillion won. Talent development for training the next generation of scientists is allocated 1 trillion won, and 2.2 trillion won is designated for global R&D projects, including Horizon Europe.
For maintaining an industrial gap in cutting-edge technologies such as semiconductors, displays, secondary batteries, and next-generation communications, 2.4 trillion won will be invested. In addition, 1.4 trillion won will be invested in technology scale-up and deep tech commercialization to commercialize technologies developed in research.
Furthermore, 2.2 trillion won will be allocated for technological innovation to achieve carbon neutrality, and 2.1 trillion won will support disaster and safety R&D to prevent digital crimes and major disasters. Civil-military cooperation for the development of advanced technologies in the defense sector will involve an investment of 5 trillion won.