The Public Procurement Agency has set its 2027 budget at 372.3 billion won, an increase of 75 billion won from this year. This figure represents the total expenditure budget based on actual spending, excluding inter-account transactions typical of special account agencies.
On September 1, the agency announced that it will focus its budget on strengthening innovative procurement and transitioning public procurement to artificial intelligence (AI).
To enhance innovative procurement, which provides initial market access for technologically advanced products and promotes private sector R&D, the budget for public purchases of innovative products has been significantly increased. The budget for pilot purchases of innovative products for next year is set at 1.13 trillion won, an increase of 306 billion won from this year.
A new budget has also been allocated to expand the nationwide dissemination of technological verification results. A total of 13 billion won has been included for government-supported projects linking technological products in new industries such as AI, robotics, and drones with demonstration projects, including the AX-SPRINT initiative. Additionally, 900 billion won has been earmarked for existing domestic demonstration projects, and 10.2 billion won has been allocated for R&D support for innovative products, establishing a support system for innovative procurement companies to develop advanced new technology products.
The agency will also actively pursue AI and digital transformation projects to enhance the efficiency and reliability of public procurement operations. To proactively respond to global supply chain crises, 7.7 billion won will be invested in building an AI-based supply chain management system that integrates the entire process from demand forecasting to item discovery, purchasing, release, and inventory management. Furthermore, 4.2 billion won has been allocated for the establishment of a price comparison survey system that utilizes AI data to collect, compare, and monitor price information for public goods in real time.
Funding has also been set aside for the development of digital systems to manage major materials and construction costs. A budget of 3.9 billion won has been designated for the establishment of a contract management integrated system that manages demand forecasting and quality information for four major government-supplied materials, including ready-mixed concrete and asphalt. Additionally, 2.9 billion won has been allocated for the establishment of a public construction cost information integration platform that provides analysis and forecasting information by type of construction project. The Public Procurement Agency's 2027 budget will undergo review and approval by the National Assembly, with final confirmation expected in December.
Baek Seung-bo, head of the Public Procurement Agency, stated, "The 2027 budget focuses on maximizing the strategic value of public procurement while supporting both AI transition and innovative growth. We will actively articulate the necessity and justification of these projects during the National Assembly's budget review process to secure stable funding for priority budgets, ensuring tangible results that the public and businesses can feel."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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