A public hearing on the Draft 2026 National R&D Investment Directions and Guidelines was held on Wednesday, February 19, at Seoul’s L Tower. The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Sang-im Yoo, MSIT) hosted the hearing, and the Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (President Byung-seon Jeong, KISTEP) organized the event. The guidelines, mandated by Article 12‑2 of the Framework Act on Science and Technology, outline strategic priorities for next year’s R&D budget. To gather feedback from researchers and stakeholders across industry, academia, and research institutes, MSIT streamed the hearing live on its YouTube channel (recording available).

(YouTube Replay) https://youtu.be/scGWvjDXxog

In his opening remarks, Gwang-jun Ryu, MSIT’s Vice Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, stated, “In these challenging internal and external conditions, transitioning to a leading‑edge R&D framework is essential for achieving a significant leap forward.” He added, “The government is boldly reforming existing institutions and strategically developing new investment portfolios in artificial intelligence, advanced biotechnology, and quantum technologies.” He further stressed, “We will prioritize game‑changing technologies capable of reshaping future industries, strengthen strategic R&D in key sectors, promote technology commercialization, and build a robust research foundation through basic research and talent cultivation. We will listen carefully to researchers’ input to prepare proactively for future challenges.”

△ Gwang-jun Ryu, Vice Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation at MSIT, delivering opening remarks

Next, Gyeong-chun Seo, MSIT’s Director of the R&D Budget Coordination Division, gave a detailed presentation on the draft guidelines. He introduced three government focus areas and nine key investment directions aimed at innovation‑driven growth.

△ Gyeong-chun Seo, Director of the R&D Budget Coordination Division at MSIT, giving a comprehensive presentation

Following that, Jae-yong Kim, Director of the Advanced Manufacturing and ICT R&D Budget Coordination Division at MSIT, presented on fostering three game‑changing technologies and national strategic technologies. Hyeong-su Kim, Director of the Public and Energy R&D Budget Coordination Division at MSIT, discussed carbon neutrality, disaster safety, and space, while Hyun-ok Kim, Director of the Biotechnology R&D Budget Coordination Division at MSIT, outlined basic research support and talent development plans.

Jae-yong Kim explained the investment strategies for the three game-changer technologies—Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Biotechnology, and Quantum—and outlined the investment directions for 12 areas of national strategic technology (covering innovation leadership, future challenges, and essential foundations).

Hyeong-su Kim introduced the key investment directions for Carbon Neutrality (accelerating the realization of carbon neutrality through progressive demonstration in core areas), Disaster Safety (establishing the basis for timely disaster and crisis response to ensure everyday public safety), and Space (accelerating the space economy through strategic R&D investment).

Hyun-ok Kim shared plans to expand the national innovation horizon through basic research support and improve investment effectiveness with field‑tailored support systems.

In the second part of the event—moderated by Dr. Ji-woong Yoon, President of the Science and Technology Policy Institute—expert panelists from industry, academia, and research institutes engaged in in‑depth discussions on key investment directions. Panelists included Tae-beom Lim (Executive Director, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute), Kyung-hoon Kim (Leader, Kakao AI Safety), Professor Hyung-jin Choi (Seoul National University), Seong-taek Lim (Executive Director, OCI Power), Professor Hwa-su Yeo (KAIST), Dr. Young-sil Kwak (Principal Researcher, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute), Professor Hyung-jin Sim (Seoul National University), Professor Teun-teun Kim (Ulsan University), and Professor Young Yang (Sookmyung Women’s University).

△ Discussion on investment directions and agendas in key areas

MSIT will refine the investment directions based on hearing feedback, seek further input from related ministries, and finalize the guidelines through the National Science and Technology Advisory Council. The 2026 National R&D Investment Directions and Guidelines will be distributed to relevant ministries by March 15, 2025.