The Ministry of Science and ICT has set operating standards for the "K-Moonshot Program," which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and data to solve national-level challenges.
The Ministry of Science and ICT said on the 2nd that it established and put into effect the K-Moonshot Program operation and management rules on the 30th. The directive defines the program's scope and implementation system, the role of the mission-level program director (PD), and the structure for inter-ministerial collaboration.
The K-Moonshot Program is a mission-oriented research and development (R&D) portfolio aimed at accelerating solutions to major challenges needed to strengthen national competitiveness by 2035 through AI-based R&D. The government has set goals to resolve 12 national challenges, including shortening new drug development timelines, commercializing brain implants, developing a Korea-style small fusion demonstration reactor, securing fundamental technologies for a space data center, and developing a general-purpose physical AI model.
As the mission-level commander, the PD sets each mission's strategy and presents plans for using data and AI and for expanding outcomes. The PD also holds working-level authority over project planning, goal setting, and progress checks, and coordinates the program overall.
The PD also serves as Chairperson of the operations committee, which is composed of stakeholders from mission-related projects. The operations committee deliberates and decides on major items needed during program implementation.
An inter-ministerial collaboration framework was also included in the rules. The Ministry of Science and ICT will form the "K-Moonshot Task Force," headed by the science Vice Prime Minister as Director General with participation from vice-minister-level officials of relevant ministries, to oversee the setting of basic program directions and reviews of major outcomes. For working-level consultations, a ministerial consultative body will also operate with participation from research directors and Director General-level officials of relevant ministries.
Oh Dae-hyeon, director-general for future strategy and technology policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, "We will promote mission-specific outcomes by establishing a PD-centered, accountable operating system and leveraging inter-ministerial cooperation and private-sector expertise."