Ministry of Science and ICT to Provide 177.1 Billion Won in Support for 27 R&D Projects
Execution of related budgets, such as timely support of business funds

The Ministry of Science and ICT executes the relevant budget to provide timely support, such as business funds, to industries struggling due to COVID-19.

Starting March 23, evaluations will be conducted to select implementing agencies for new projects in the ICT sector, providing approximately 177.1 billion won for 27 R&D projects (a total of 156 projects) and approximately 331.4 billion won for 55 other projects.

First, a method of video presentations and Q&A via conference calls between the evaluator (evaluation committee member) and the person being evaluated is introduced to minimize face-to-face interaction during evaluation. If face-to-face interaction is unavoidable, the process is conducted in the widest possible space with the minimum number of people, while ensuring a distance of at least 1 meter for the safety of the participants and minimizing contact through the installation of transparent protective walls.

Quarantine stations are installed and operated at the entrances of all evaluation venues, and thorough safety management is implemented, including the deployment of disinfectants, masks, and security personnel, as well as the control of external personnel access.

In addition, the health status of the evaluators is individually checked one day before the evaluation, and those with symptoms are restricted from participating in the evaluation. Furthermore, the health status of all participants is monitored for 14 days after the evaluation is completed.

Jang Seok-yeong The Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT stated, “Although events and meetings are being canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, we are conducting an evaluation to ensure uninterrupted budget execution, considering the difficult situation faced by companies,” adding, “We will do our utmost to ensure the smooth progress of the project evaluation by making every effort to fully implement the safety measures prepared this time.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Science and ICT had planned to conduct the selection evaluation for new ICT projects starting in late February, but postponed the schedule in consideration of the nature of the evaluation, which involves a large number of people gathering at once.