The Ministry of Science and ICT has revealed the investment direction for national research and development (R&D) for the next year. The 'National R&D Investment Direction and Guidelines (Draft)' disclosed that day will serve as a guideline for the allocation and adjustment of the government's R&D budget for the upcoming year.
On the afternoon of the 19th, the Ministry of Science and ICT held a public hearing on government R&D investment directions for 2026 at the L Tower in Yangjae, Seoul. Ryu Kwang-jun, head of the Ministry's Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, noted in his opening remarks, "In the context of increasing competition for technological supremacy, such as the recent DeepSeek shock from China and the impending U.S. tariffs on semiconductors, we are at a critical turning point where it is difficult to expect new growth without technological innovation and challenges. Through this public hearing, we will gather valuable opinions and various insights from academia, industry, and research organizations to establish the direction for government R&D investment, ensuring that the investment leads to results through innovation and challenges."
Prior to the discussion, the Ministry of Science and ICT unveiled nine key investment directions across three major fields. Primary investment areas identified for next year include concentrated investments in game-changing technologies such as AI, advanced biotechnology, and quantum technology, the creation of new industries through public technology commercialization, fostering basic research and grants, nurturing scientific and technological talent, and investing in climate change adaptation technology.
The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to refine the 2026 investment direction by collecting opinions from the field and insights from academia and industry gathered during that day's public hearing. After review by relevant ministries and supplementary adjustments, the direction and guidelines for national research and development investment for 2026 will be communicated to relevant ministries by March 15 after the deliberation and decision by the National Science and Technology Advisory Council.