Evaluation of R&D Innovation of National Research Institutes in the Science and Technology Field

Published on 16 June, 2023
Published by Economic Industrial ProgramEvaluation Division

    Korea’s national research institutes have contributed to the development of the nation’s science and technology and industrial economy through R&D inconventional fields. Their roles and functions have been expanded to encompass diverse cutting-edge fields such as healthcare, environment, food and medicine, and disaster and safety.
   As of 2023, the government’s annual budget for national research institutes in the science and technology field stands at KRW 1.7 trillion, and the number of related workforce at over 5,700. However, their research capabilities overall are evaluated to have been compromised, while the efficiency of investment in terms of research outcomes has continued to deteriorate. As such, the government has taken action to drive R&D innovation of national research institutes to reinforce their roles and establish research-centric operating systems.
   To review the outcomes of R&D innovation of 16 national research institutes in the science and technology field, this report examines different issues concerning their R&D systems (research fund execution system, research program management system, research staff operating system, etc.) and various improvement measures.
   The results highlight the need for the government to clearly define the roles and scopes of national research institutes by law and lay a solid foundation to support them. It is also necessary to establish an effective management system for experimental research fund execution and reinforce the research task management and commercialization support systems to help achieve greater R&D results and improve ROI. Lastly, the working conditions and performance compensation systems at national research institutes must be enhanced to help outstanding researchers demonstrate their competence.