The government will invest 170 trillion won over five years in the development of 12 national strategic technologies, including space and quantum, and core areas, including carbon neutrality, through the first legislated mid- to long-term investment strategy.

The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong-ho) announced the '1st National Research and Development Mid- to Long-term Investment Strategy (2023-2027)' on the 7th.

The 'Mid- to Long-term Investment Strategy' is the first statutory plan and top-level investment strategy established by the Yoon Seok-yeol government that presents strategic investment goals and directions for the national research and development budget for the next five years, and is strategically linked to major policies such as state affairs, the 5th Basic Plan for Science and Technology, and the National Strategic Technology Promotion Strategy.

The 'Mid- to Long-term Investment Strategy' has set its policy goals as faithfully carrying out major national tasks and creating results with the vision of 'becoming one of the top five science and technology powerhouses by 2030', and its investment goal is to maintain the budget for research and development of 170 trillion won over 5 years at around 5% of total government expenditures (national task 74).

Through this, our country's technology level is currently at about 80% of that of the leading technology countries.It plans to increase this to 85% by 2027.

First, we will invest more than 25 trillion won over 5 years in 12 national strategic technologies selected in the national strategic technology development plan.

In addition, it promotes the transition to a low-carbon industrial structure through innovation in eco-friendly energy production, storage, and distribution technologies, early securing of fuel competitiveness, and advancement of greenhouse gas treatment technologies.

In relation to digital innovation, we will develop core digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G/6G, digital infrastructure, information security, and autonomous driving to promote industrial and public digital transformation and foster new industries.

In addition, we will enhance private sector growth vitality and strengthen corporate innovation capacity by establishing a customized support system based on corporate innovation capacity and improving support effectiveness through inter-departmental collaboration.

In relation to supply chain response, we will secure key materials, parts, and equipment technologies, proactively prepare for supply chain crises by securing sustainable future food sources, and strengthen domestic capabilities.

In terms of promoting national health, we will work on next-generation manufacturing innovation and expansion of the verification base, healthy aging across the life cycle, strengthening infectious disease response/preparation capabilities, sharing bio-data, and activating digital transformation.

For advanced national defense, we will develop game-changing weapon systems, activate civil-military cooperation, expand the development of core basic technologies, and realize intelligent national defense based on DNA (Data, Network, AI).

In order to expand the science and technology foundation for future response, we will work on systemizing support by field in basic research and providing stable infrastructure support, and in relation to human resource development, we will work on innovation in graduate school research and education and fostering talent through industry-academia-research cooperation.

In relation to international cooperation, we will expand the scale and scope and strengthen sustainable development (SDG).

Here, we foster and innovate local youth and businesses.We will pursue regional innovation by strengthening new capabilities and solve social problems by responding to disaster safety and environmental issues based on science and technology.

In order to improve R&D efficiency, we will move away from rigid one-sided support structures and expand support methods linked to private investment, such as investment-linked, loan-linked, deferred payment, and vouchers, and expand private sector participation in government R&D planning and investment.

In addition, we plan to select and invest in large-scale public-private joint projects and designate and support a national technology strategy center centered on government-funded research institutes to establish a cross-ministerial R&D investment strategy for each technology field.

In addition, we will promote technology commercialization through ▲technology scale-up ▲strengthening multi-departmental collaboration ▲promoting civilian-military collaboration, and ▲making investments more efficient through inter-departmental platform investment ▲strengthening feasibility studies ▲systematizing research facilities and equipment ▲restructuring expenditures.

The Ministry of Science and ICT has set 19 key performance indicators for four major strategies to ensure that the ‘mid- to long-term investment strategy’ can be effectively implemented, and plans to review the implementation performance by establishing an implementation plan every year.

Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho said, “The first national R&D mid- to long-term investment strategy is the first statutory investment strategy established by the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. It will increase the strategic nature and predictability of national R&D investment and serve as the cornerstone for our country’s leap forward to become one of the top five science and technology powerhouses by 2030.” He added, “We will actively invest in fostering 12 national strategic technologies, including space, nuclear energy, and quantum, that require all of our national (private + government) capabilities, and in achieving carbon neutrality.”