Direction Set for AI and Energy Investment... Launch of Five-Year National R&D Strategy Design

People’s Sovereignty Government Begins Full-scale Discussion on the “6th Basic Science and Technology Plan and National R&D Mid- to Long-term Investment Strategy”

Despite limited fiscal conditions, the government has begun establishing a national mid- to long-term investment strategy to use research and development (R&D) as a catalyst for innovation. The plan aims to newly set five-year investment goals and directions for the entire research ecosystem, including basic research and talent development, with a focus on securing technological sovereignty in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and energy.

On January 20, the Ministry of Science and ICT held a kick-off meeting to launch the formulation of the "6th Basic Science and Technology Plan (2026-2030)" and the "2nd National R&D Mid- to Long-term Investment Strategy (2026-2030)." This marks the beginning of efforts to establish a mid- to long-term blueprint for science and technology policy and investment since the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration.

On the 13th, at the Seoul Central Post Office in Jung-gu, Seoul, Paek Jongmin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, is speaking at the 'National Science Museum and Korea Post Business Headquarters Work Report' event. Photo by Yonhap News

These two plans represent the nation's highest-level science and technology strategies, designed to address both external and domestic challenges. Externally, they respond to intensifying US-China technological competition, the paradigm shift toward AI-based science and technology, and the climate crisis. Domestically, they address complex crises such as weakening growth engines, demographic changes, and social polarization. The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to use these strategies as the benchmark for science and technology policy and R&D investment over the next five years.

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The national R&D mid- to long-term investment strategy is the highest-level statutory investment plan, outlining the strategic investment goals and directions for the national R&D budget over the next five years. It is linked to key policies such as national policy tasks and the Basic Science and Technology Plan, and serves as the standard for allocating and adjusting the R&D budget.

This strategy is expected to broadly encompass: ▲ core strategic technology areas to secure technological sovereignty in fields such as AI and energy; ▲ areas that support "growth for all citizens" by advancing the research ecosystem; ▲ strengthening the basic foundations of national R&D, such as basic research and talent development; and ▲ structural improvement measures to generate and spread results.

Na Kyunghwan, Distinguished Professor at Dankook University, has been appointed as the chairperson overseeing the formulation of the mid- to long-term investment strategy. The committee, comprising 17 experts from industry, academia, and research institutes-some of whom will also serve on the Basic Plan Committee-will reinforce the linkage between policy and investment. In addition, the committee will work closely with 10 specialized subcommittees under the Operations Committee of the National Science and Technology Advisory Council to enhance the strategy's implementation.

Meanwhile, the Basic Science and Technology Plan is the highest-level statutory plan in the field of science and technology, established in accordance with the Framework Act on Science and Technology. The government aims to enhance national competitiveness through scientific and technological advancement and to create a structure in which the benefits of these advancements are spread throughout society. In particular, in connection with last year's announced "Research and Development Ecosystem Innovation Plan," key discussion topics include creating an environment where researchers can take on challenges and focus on research, strengthening the capabilities of universities, companies, and government-funded research institutes, and expanding AI-based research systems.

Yoon Euijoon, President of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea, has been appointed as the chairperson overseeing the formulation of the Basic Science and Technology Plan. The government has formed a committee of 100 members covering not only science and technology but also the social sciences, humanities, and economics.

Paek Jongmin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, stated, "As external uncertainties and complex domestic crises intensify, the new Basic Science and Technology Plan and the National R&D Mid- to Long-term Investment Strategy are not just about science and technology policy, but are a process of designing the future of Korea." He urged, "Please gather bold proposals and insights that transcend the existing framework."