On the 7th, the government unveiled a comprehensive plan centered on nurturing science and technology talent and innovation in research and development (R&D). From the talent development system to improving the research field environment and linking to corporations' demand, it called for a "full-cycle overhaul." In broad terms, the reaction is that "the direction is right."
However, there is also criticism from the field that "specific implementation plans are missing."
First to come under scrutiny was the "national scientist" program. The government plans to select 100 researchers at the world level and provide around 100 million won per year in research activity support funds. Unlike the existing "national scholar" program, it opened the door to broader use not only for research funds but also for external activity expenses.
Still, there is criticism that "that level is not enough." Lee Jaehyun, Deputy Minister at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), said, "For a researcher worthy of being selected as a national scientist, 100 million won per year is unlikely to be an incentive," and "It also falls short of the policy goal of boosting pride." Lee added, "Even if the number of selections is reduced, it would be desirable to support more than 1 billion won per person."
Lee also said that a review of fairness by field is needed for the R&D data-sharing policy. The government intends to shift to a sharing system that does not discard data produced in the research process. Lee said, "In the bio field, the cost of securing data is low, so the effect is large, but in the materials and energy fields, the utility is not great relative to the expense," adding, "Differentiated application by field is necessary."
Concerns also arose about the plan to nurture regional talent. Although the government said it would strengthen ties between institutes of science and technology and science high schools and universities, and develop regional artificial intelligence (AI) hubs, some said support could be concentrated on a few.
Lee Hyunsuk, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Seoul National University, said, "If AI+X support is carried out centered on institutes of science and technology (IST) such as KAIST, a significant portion of the overall budget could tilt toward IST universities," adding, "There is concern that general comprehensive universities could fall behind in competitiveness." IST universities refer to science and technology-specialized universities such as KAIST, GIST, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST).
Lee emphasized, "Major comprehensive universities that already have world-class competitiveness are feeling left out between the Ministry of Education's 'making 10 Seoul National Universities' policy and the Ministry of Science and ICT's IST-centered support," adding, "Policies for general universities and IST universities must not collide."
Regarding the expansion of living stipends (stipends) for graduate students, Lee said, "The intent is good, but backing is needed." Lee said, "As much as labor costs are raised, direct research costs also need to be expanded," adding, "Otherwise, labor costs and research funds could clash in practice." Lee continued, "Consideration is needed for the difficulties that principal investigators (PIs) face due to budget issues," adding, "In fact, expanding dormitories or research infrastructure is more urgent."
Caution was also raised about early specialization policies such as establishing AI science high schools. Seok Chaok, a professor in the Department of Chemistry at Seoul National University, said, "The AI and scientific environment could be completely different 10 to 20 years from now," adding, "To foster convergent thinking, broad education is essential."
Seok also said the R&D system needs structural change. Seok said, "The reason for the lack of research and development outcomes lies not only in the evaluation system but also in the 'top-down' structure that has excessively set project goals," adding, "It should shift to a 'middle-up' approach that allows researchers to autonomously set and develop topics in line with a rapidly changing environment."
It was also disappointing that there was no mention of the space and aerospace field in this announcement. Park Byunggon, a principal researcher at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), said, "Even after the launch of the Korea AeroSpace Administration, there are still cases where policies of the Ministry of Science and ICT leave us out," adding, "There are quite a few cases where KASI and KARI are excluded from the policies of the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST)."
Hong Sunjeong, director general of the Ministry of Science and ICT's Office of Future Talent Policy, said, "This strategy was prepared under the principles of listening and integration, through more than 200 on-site communications, online policy proposals, and a public-private joint task force (TF)," adding, "We have now presented the broad framework and will disclose specifics later."
At a briefing the same day, Park Inkyu, head of the Ministry of Science and ICT's Office of Science, Technology and Innovation, said, "This plan focuses on strengthening the full-cycle research ecosystem that connects universities–graduate schools–research institutes–corporations–universities," adding, "The key is not to create a short-term boom, but to create conditions in which scientists can conduct research stably."
The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to present specifics at the "science and technology and AI Ministers' Meeting" to be held next month.