Reduced R&D Budget and Execution Delays... Government Takes Measures to Address Issues

Field Complaints Surge
Ministry of Science and ICT Requests Timely Payment of R&D Research Funds

The Ministry of Science and ICT urged research management specialized institutions responsible for executing government research and development (R&D) funds to disburse research expenses in a timely manner.

Ryu Gwang-jun, Director of the Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, Ministry of Science and ICT

On the 8th, Ryu Gwang-jun, head of the Science and Technology Innovation Headquarters, visited the Korea Research Foundation in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, and held a meeting with heads, deputy heads, and key officials of 14 major specialized institutions including the Korea Research Foundation, Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, Small and Medium Business Technology Information Promotion Agency, and Korea Health Industry Development Institute to discuss the current status of research fund execution by each institution and future plans.

This meeting was in the format of the ongoing 'R&D Smile Empathy' since Ryu's appointment as head, but its nature was different from previous events that focused on listening to the status of the research field.

The Innovation Headquarters reviewed the execution status of research funds by ministry and specialized institution in advance and requested active responses regarding reasons for some delays in execution and solutions. The heads of specialized institutions also pledged to manage thoroughly to prevent future delays in execution.

Recent delays in execution were largely due to increased adjustments caused by R&D budget cuts. As budget cuts and execution delays occurred, dissatisfaction in the research field was growing.

Head Ryu Gwang-jun urged, “Even in difficult circumstances, heads of specialized institutions must personally ensure that researchers receive the promised research funds on time.”