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AI-driven innovation at forefront of government's 2027 R&D policy vision

Published: 12 Mar. 2026, 20:19

Park In-kyu, the vice minister for science, technology and innovation, speaks during a press briefing in Seoul on March 12 in this photo released by the Ministry of Science and ICT. [YONHAP]

The government unveiled on Thursday a policy vision for state-led research and development (R&D) initiatives in 2027, with a focus on spearheading AI-driven innovation benefiting public needs.

The Ministry of Science and ICT shared the policy direction, which will be reflected in the government's budget plan for next year. The 2027 budget aims to “promptly generate results that can be felt by the public.”

In 2026, Korea allocated a record R&D budget of 35.5 trillion won ($23.9 billion), up 19.9 percent from a year earlier, in line with efforts to revitalize research activities that had been drastically curtailed under the previous government.

For next year, the ministry said it will continue efforts to make Korea one of the world's top three AI powerhouses while enhancing investment in cutting-edge biotechnology, space, aviation and the marine sector.

The government will focus on developing next-generation AI technologies to strengthen its homegrown capabilities while securing key infrastructure.

“Considering the rapid pace of development in AI technology, the government aims to shorten the project period of AI transformation R&D projects to deliver early results,” the ministry said.

Korea will seek to promptly apply technologies developed in the private sector to the defense industry as well.

The ministry also unveiled the so-called K-Science project, which aims to find solutions to scientific problems by incorporating elements of Korea's own historical, cultural and environmental values.

“There are areas of research that only Korean scientists are willing to take an interest in,” Park In-kyu, the vice minister for science, technology and innovation, said during a press briefing, noting the government will come up with more details in the second quarter.

Yonhap