South Korea’s government has approved a sweeping national strategy to strengthen its technological competitiveness, committing 8.6 trillion won in 2026 to support key industries and secure long-term economic and security advantages.
According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the plan—adopted during the 13th National Strategic Technology Committee meeting—outlines a coordinated, multi-agency effort to advance “NEXT” strategic technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum computing. The initiative is part of a broader five-year roadmap running through 2028 aimed at bolstering the country’s technological sovereignty.
The 2026 implementation plan focuses on three core priorities: accelerating growth in strategic technologies, strengthening technology security and building a mission-driven policy framework to deliver measurable outcomes. Officials said the approach is designed to ensure research and development efforts translate into commercialization and global competitiveness.
Government investment in strategic technology research and development will increase by 30% compared to the previous year, reaching 8.6 trillion won. In addition, policymakers plan to provide 46.6 trillion won in policy financing to support companies across the technology lifecycle, from startups to global expansion. A new innovation fund targeting sectors such as AI and semiconductors has also been launched.
The plan also emphasizes stronger coordination across ministries, aligning technology policy, investment and regulatory frameworks. Officials identified 513 technologies across multiple laws and grouped them into 19 common categories to streamline collaboration.
Beyond funding, the government aims to expand infrastructure and talent development. Regional innovation hubs and specialized research institutes will play a key role in scaling research outcomes, while new programs will focus on training and attracting skilled workers in emerging fields.
Officials said additional detailed strategies will be released later this year, with the goal of ensuring both industry and research communities can effectively implement the plan and respond to intensifying global competition in advanced technologies.
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