Seoul: The science ministry announced on Monday its intention to pursue a record budget for 2026, aiming to enhance research and development (R and D) projects and secure a leadership position in artificial intelligence (AI) along with other advanced technologies.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the 2026 budget proposal, which will be submitted to the National Assembly, outlines a historic 23.7 trillion won (US$17 billion) in annual spending. This marks a 12.9 percent increase from this year's 21 trillion won, as reported by the Ministry of Science and ICT. Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon emphasized that the budget proposal reflects the Lee Jae Myung government's strong commitment to overcoming the low-growth crisis and transforming into an innovative economy founded on AI and scientific technologies.
Minister Bae asserted that the government would promptly implement key projects to deliver tangible achievements for the people, emphasizing that the record budget plan would translate into impactful initiatives rather than mere figures. Of the proposed total, 11.8 trillion won will be devoted to R and D projects, representing a 21.6 percent increase from the 2025 spending. Additionally, the budget allocates 2.74 trillion won for basic science research in 2026, a 17.2 percent increase from the previous year.
In 2024, the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration reduced the R and D budget by 8 percent to 9 trillion won, reallocating funds to other areas, which led to protests from the scientific community. The current administration plans to allocate 4.46 trillion won to support South Korea's AI transformation drive, a 29.7 percent increase from this year's budget.
AI technology, described as a key driver for innovation in productivity and the generation of new businesses, is viewed as a strategic element in enhancing the country's competitiveness and future. The ministry's release highlighted plans to proactively address global AI competition and invigorate the nation's AI ecosystem by pursuing AI transformation across the public sector, economy, and society.
The proposal includes securing 15,000 graphics processing units in 2026 as part of a nationwide effort to bolster AI infrastructure. Furthermore, the budget plan sets aside 5.93 trillion won to secure NEXT strategic technologies, which encompass efforts to lead in semiconductors, batteries, bio, and quantum industries. The ministry also aims to apply AI technologies in sectors such as bio and materials to enhance the effectiveness of R and D projects and achieve significant breakthroughs.