The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) is transitioning its government research and development (R&D) support to an investment-based model while strengthening the research security framework to drive national R&D innovation. This initiative aims to establish a virtuous cycle that connects research outcomes to reinvestment, while also laying the groundwork for securing technology sovereignty and supporting international collaborative research.
On June 25, MSIT announced that during the 10th Science and Technology Ministers' Meeting, held online from June 22 to 24, three key proposals were reviewed and approved: a plan for investment-based R&D, a strategy for establishing research security to protect technology sovereignty and promote international cooperation, and an update on the abolition of the project-based system (PBS) along with plans for its future implementation.
Deputy Prime Minister and MSIT Minister Baek Kyung-hoon stated, "The global order is rapidly reshaping around core technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, space, and energy. We will establish a virtuous cycle system that links R&D outcomes to reinvestment, secure technology sovereignty, and promote international cooperation by establishing a global-level research security framework."
The ministry has developed a plan to shift corporate R&D support from a focus on inputs to an investment-based system that emphasizes sharing outcomes and reinvestment.
Additionally, measures to establish research security are being implemented. To address security risks associated with expanded international collaborative research and personnel exchanges, a research security support system will be established, which includes operating a research security center and expanding dedicated organizations for research security at universities. The ministry will also enhance security systems at government-funded research institutions and major universities while refining management systems for foreign researchers and overseas beneficiaries.
In August, a new intermediate security classification called "sensitive projects" will be introduced to proactively protect critical technologies. For major collaborative projects, a reliability review and a comprehensive management system will be piloted before commencement. Research security training and consulting for key national talents will also be expanded.
Follow-up measures for the abolition of the PBS will also be enhanced. To allow researchers to focus more on their studies rather than project acquisition, full funding for personnel costs will be provided through institutional grants and ongoing projects. Starting in 2027, the dual structure of personnel cost accounting, which currently separates operational costs and strategic research projects, will be unified under operational costs. New government commissions will generally be restricted, but exceptions will be made for cases where participation of government-funded research institutions is essential, without separately accounting for personnel costs.
The mission-oriented research system for securing national strategic technologies will also be strengthened. National strategic missions for each research institution will be redefined, and a five-year R&D portfolio will be established to create a research system that links basic research, strategic research, and commissioned research. The national strategic research projects will have a comprehensive management system from mission-based planning to evaluation and performance management, with enhanced research direction design and performance feedback systems tailored to each institution's mission.
The mission-oriented research system for implementing national strategies will be reinforced. A five-year R&D portfolio will be established for each research institution, and a mission-oriented management system will be operated from planning to evaluation and performance management for strategic research projects. The ministry plans to support the establishment of the post-PBS system through a complete revision of the Act on the Establishment of Science and Technology Institutions and the redefinition of the roles of research councils.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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