The government has decided to invest 6.6 trillion won this year, which is a 10% increase from last year, to support local science and technology innovation.
The Ministry of Science and ICT on the 14th confirmed the '6th Comprehensive Plan for Local Science and Technology Promotion 2025 Implementation Plan' together with 17 provincial and metropolitan governments and related ministries, it was announced on the 16th. This plan contains last year's implementation results from both the central government and local governments, as well as this year's implementation plan.
The Ministry of Science and ICT will invest a total of 6.6528 trillion won this year (5.6914 trillion won from the central government and 961.4 billion won from local governments). The investment will primarily focus on enhancing startups and corporations' competitiveness (1.621 trillion won), establishing hubs for local universities and research institutions (1.5153 trillion won), and revitalizing local education and industry (1.08 trillion won).
There is also a focus on establishing a system for promoting science and technology innovation led by local governments. The newly planned initiatives for 2026, based on the science and technology innovation plans established by local governments, will support linking relevant ministries and budgets.
It was decided to cultivate regional strategic industries through the selection of local technology innovation hubs and fostering leading local corporations in innovation, while also newly developing advanced industries through mega-city cooperation.
Ryu Kwang-jun, Chairperson of the Local Science and Technology Promotion Council, noted, 'The government will expand tailored support for research and development in strategic technology fields, nurturing local talent, and strengthening industry-academia-research cooperation, and actively support the establishment of an innovative ecosystem reflecting local characteristics so that science and technology can lead local development.'