Koo Hyuk-chae, Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination of the Ministry of Science and ICT, is conducting a pre-briefing on the 2025 work plan at the Government Seoul Building on Nov. 10, /Courtesy of Ministry of Science and ICT.

The government is establishing a fund of 1 trillion won to invest in advanced scientific and technological fields, including 12 strategic technologies. A national research and development (R&D) technology commercialization strategy will also be introduced to help ensure that research and development outcomes translate into actual performance for corporations and industries.

The Ministry of Science and ICT reported to Acting President Choi Sang-mok, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, on the ‘2025 business plan’ on the afternoon of the 13th. The ministry conducted its work report centered on nine key policy tasks with the goal of ‘digital transformation through AI, leading the future through science and technology.’

This year's business plan from the Ministry of Science and ICT focuses on performance and speed. Rather than merely investing in research and development, it emphasizes creating a policy framework that effectively drives the growth of corporations and industries. Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination Koo Hyuk-cha said, “This year’s business plan was designed around two pillars: stabilizing livelihoods and maintaining future growth drivers,” and noted that 76.3% of the budget would be swiftly executed in the first half of the year.

Starting this year and extending to 2028, a ‘science and technology innovation fund’ of 1 trillion won will be created. This fund supports startups and corporations in the advanced technology sectors, including 12 strategic technologies. 500 billion won will be contributed by Shinhan Bank, IBK Corporations Bank, and Woori Bank, selected as the dedicated banks for the second phase of the EZbaro system that manages the government's R&D fund execution. The remaining 500 billion won will be raised in a matching scheme by a commissioned management company, which is currently being selected by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

An official from the Ministry of Science and ICT said, “As the venture investment industry is experiencing difficulties, startups in the strategic technology sector are also facing significant challenges, and we expect that the establishment of the science and technology innovation fund will be of great help.”

In March, a ‘national R&D technology commercialization strategy’ will be introduced to help ensure that research and development outcomes lead to commercialization. The Ministry of Science and ICT, along with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will participate in the announcement of a comprehensive technology commercialization strategy on a government-wide scale. The technology commercialization liaison office (TLO) of government-funded research institutes will be specialized by sector, and private technology commercialization companies will also be fostered separately.

The evaluation system for research institutes and researchers will also be modified to favor technology commercialization. Incentives will be expanded for researchers who actively engage in technology transfer or startups.

The R&D management system will also be improved. The National Bioethics Committee, the top policy-making body in the advanced bio sector, will hold its first meeting this month. The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to promote the enactment of a law to foster synthetic biology through the National Bioethics Committee. The National Quantum Committee is also set to complete its establishment within this year and plans to develop a comprehensive 5-year plan for quantum science.

Efforts will be made to accelerate global R&D as well. A dedicated organization for legal and administrative advice on global R&D will be established, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministry will work on establishing a science and technology initiative containing science and technology and digital diplomacy strategies, as well as the enactment of the Science and Technology International Cooperation Promotion Act.

Special measures for innovative challenge-type R&D and the expansion of authority for program managers will also be promoted. Minister Yoo Sang-im stated, “To secure leadership in the global technology hegemony competition, it is important to lead the digital transformation by achieving the three major AI authorities and to lead the future based on robust science and technology,” and added, “Through investments in advanced technologies, support, and nurturing talent, we will enhance our growth potential and pave the way for the future.”