The Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP, President Taeseok OH) has signed a business agreement with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI, President Sik Lee) to establish data-driven science and technology innovation policies and strengthen research administration support systems through the joint utilization of national R&D data. KISTEP has standardized inter-ministerial research support processes through the Integrated Research Information System (IRIS) and laid the groundwork for researcher-centered research administration. KISTI has accumulated national R&D outcomes and information through the National Technology Information Service (NTIS).

As the research community has consistently called for ways to link and utilize R&D data currently collected in a fragmented manner across both institutions, this agreement is expected to lead to diverse cooperation and outcomes for establishing data-driven policies and building a research environment. The signing ceremony was held at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 19, in the Conference Hall of the KISTI Ki-um Building.

President Taeseok OH (left) and President Sik Lee posing for a commemorative photo after signing the business agreement

Through this agreement, both institutions will legally and securely link and utilize the vast national R&D data and information assets accumulated in KISTEP's IRIS and KISTI's NTIS. This will support the establishment and evaluation of data-driven science and technology innovation policies, enhance the quality of support services for researchers and research institutions, They plan to combine their accumulated systematic data management capabilities and AI expertise to foster a researcher-centric intelligent research support ecosystem and strengthen national science and technology competitiveness.

To this end, the two institutions plan to collaborate on: ▲ Developing expert identification and researcher analysis functions using IRIS·NTIS data related to national R&D projects; ▲ Supporting AI-based R&D innovation, such as identifying research topics and recommending researchers through global research trend analysis; ▲ Automating research administrative procedures and creating an environment conducive to research immersion using AI technology.

Group photo of attendees at the business agreement signing ceremony

KISTEP President Taeseok OH stated, “For national core information systems, stable operation and efficient goal achievement are more challenging than the initial construction itself. Therefore, we anticipate field-centered collaboration leveraging the data collection, processing experience, and expertise possessed by both institutions.” He further announced plans to jointly develop data-based indicators that can be practically utilized across various policy areas, including AI transformation, fostering national strategic technologies, and regional innovation.

Taeseok OH, President of KISTEP

Sik Lee, President of KISTI, remarked, “In an era where data drives science, technology, and R&D, this agreement embodies both institutions' shared commitment to integrate and intelligentize fragmented research data, thereby resolving inconveniences in the research field and maximizing national R&D outcomes.” He emphasized that they will closely collaborate around three core values—creating a researcher-centric environment, AI-based intelligent research support, and data-driven policy formulation—to deliver tangible results.

Sik Lee, President of KISTI