Park In-kyu, head of the Ministry of Science and ICT's Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, emphasized that "investing 5% of government expenditure into research and development (R&D) would have a significant effect in solving issues within the scientific and technological community, such as the concentration in medical schools."
On the 28th, Deputy Minister Park met with reporters at the Government Sejong Hall to discuss the need and direction for expanding the R&D budget. Appointed as head of the Science and Technology Innovation Bureau on the 13th, Deputy Minister Park, who has a background as a particle physicist, leads the bureau that reviews and adjusts the national R&D budget and evaluates its outcomes.
Deputy Minister Park said, "I used to have complaints about the government, but after joining, I realized that there is a bigger picture beyond basic science, and it's evident that everyone is struggling."
He noted, "It would be great if next year's R&D budget exceeds 30 trillion won," adding, "Considering that the education budget makes up 20% of the total, at least 5% should be allocated to R&D as a future investment. Currently, it is about 4.2%, but if it expands to 5%, the ripple effect would be very substantial."
Regarding the recent pronounced "concentration in medical schools," Deputy Minister Park commented, "If scientists can conduct research in a stable environment, then young people wouldn't have to struggle and go to medical schools; they could make a sufficient living and do what they want with much more freedom. I believe if science and technology can help Korea leap forward once again, then it's better for the government to boldly invest in this direction."
Concerning improvements in the R&D system, he stated that the 'Real R&D Creation Promotion Committee' composed of private experts was divided into eight subcommittees, discussing various topics, including reforming the project-based system (PBS) and abolishing preliminary feasibility studies. He explained, "While we all agree that PBS should shift to a mission-oriented approach, it has not yet been determined whether it will be completely abolished or phased out gradually."