Basic research refers to research activities on new knowledge or technology that may have broad applications for the future, and its significance is growing at home and abroad. As a result, major economies such as the US, the EU and Japan are expanding their investment in basic research despite the prolonged economic recession. The Korean government has developed plans to increase basic research funding to 40% of its total R&D investment by 2017. While this government investment represents a substantial increase, some researchers point out that there is an imbalance between demand and supply.

This report analyzes and assesses the adequacy of the government’s institutional goals for basic research, the systematic approach in its implementation scheme, the strategic value of allocation of funds, and efficiency in program execution, thus exploring directions to improve related R&D programs. The assessment reveals the following.

First, the government decision to set its target based on the proportion of basic research in R&D investment is somewhat inappropriate to attain policy objectives. As a limited number of programs are reflected in  calculating this proportion, it fails to capture the exact proportion of basic research in total governmental R&D investment. In addition, the calculation method may overestimate the scale of investment in basic research. Therefore, the government needs to revise the existing institutional targets towards more concrete action goals.   

Second, the implementation scheme for basic research policies is poorly linked to higher policies and allocation of R&D funds, lacking a strategic approach. Programs that fall under the Comprehensive Plan for Promotion of Basic Research do not match those eligible for budget allocation from government investment in R&D, implying a loose relationship between policies. Some 30% of the budget for strategic investment programs in the comprehensive plan has been cut. The government should therefore strengthen the organic link between its policies and funds budgeted for basic research and adjust the scope of R&D support programs for such basic research where they overlap with other official plans.

Lastly, regarding the researcher-centered basic research program that supports individual and group studies, the government is revamping the program scheme, breaking away from a uniform application of support towards a more reasonable approach.