The Ministry of Planning and Budget and the Ministry of Science and ICT have decided to permanently operate an R&D budget council starting this year. This initiative aims to increase expertise and fiscal efficiency by expanding mutual participation in the R&D budget allocation and adjustment process. The establishment of the Planning Ministry marks a turning point for strengthening the efficiency and consistency of R&D investments through enhanced cooperation. Previously, inter-ministerial communication was mainly informal, making systematic discussions on key issues difficult.
In 2024, the total R&D budget stands at KRW 35.5 trillion, with 85.3% (KRW 30.5 trillion) allocated as major R&D funds by the Science and Technology Innovation Headquarters. The Planning Ministry then finalizes the budget based on these allocations. Moving forward, a director-level permanent council will convene monthly to discuss government R&D investment priorities, expenditure efficiency, and new project reviews. Vice-ministerial consultations will also be held, making the cooperative structure more stable and predictable.
Both ministries will expand mutual participation in the budget formulation process. The Planning Ministry will join the Science and Technology Innovation Headquarters in preparing major R&D budget allocation and adjustment plans. The Planning Ministry will also participate in in-depth reviews conducted by expert committees under the National Science and Technology Advisory Council. During budget formulation, the opinions of the Science and Technology Innovation Headquarters will be reflected through the permanent council, and the management system for new R&D projects will be improved, with unreviewed new project requests generally restricted.
These improvements will be applied from next year’s budget formulation process, with both ministries committed to close cooperation for more efficient R&D investments. Only new project requests deemed nationally important or urgent will be exceptionally allowed, subject to thorough review by the advisory council. These changes are expected to strengthen accountability and transparency in R&D investments. The Planning Ministry and the Ministry of Science and ICT will continue to respect each other’s roles and further develop their cooperative framework.