A New Era for Science and Technology in South Korea
President Lee Jae-myung made a strong statement on the 7th, addressing the previous administration’s cuts to science and technology research and development (R&D) budgets. He declared, “In this government, we will not only restore these cuts but also invest even greater national capabilities into R&D.” This bold commitment was delivered during a national policy report session titled ‘A Republic of Korea Dreaming Again of Scientists and Technologists’ held at the National Central Science Museum in Daejeon.
The president emphasized that the current government has significantly increased the R&D budget to a level that many in attendance could not have imagined. The government recently submitted a budget plan to the National Assembly for the next year, which includes a 19.3% increase compared to the previous year. This brings the total R&D budget to 35.4 trillion Korean won, marking the largest-ever increase in this area.
A Shift in Focus: Rewarding Scientific Achievements
During a discussion with scientists and technologists, President Lee highlighted the need for societal change to adequately reward scientific achievements. He stated, “It is now difficult to succeed by merely squeezing and exploiting laborers,” and stressed the importance of creating an environment where researchers are valued and supported.
He proposed several ideas, including establishing guidelines that allow researchers to jointly use public-sector equipment and infrastructure. Additionally, he suggested exploring incentives for those who have experienced failure rather than facing discrimination. These proposals reflect a broader vision of fostering innovation and resilience within the scientific community.
Addressing Past Injustices
The conversation also touched upon a sensitive issue involving a graduate who was escorted out during a KAIST degree ceremony under the previous administration for protesting R&D budget cuts. President Lee reflected on this incident, saying, “I wondered if the student who was gagged and dragged away had come to today’s event, and how wronged they must have felt.”
This acknowledgment of past injustices underscores the government’s commitment to rectifying previous missteps and creating a more supportive environment for scientific endeavors.
Personal Reflections and Future Goals
President Lee shared personal insights about his own path, stating, “If my parents had had the financial means to send me to school normally, I might have become a science and technology researcher myself.” He expressed interest in studying very minute fields like microbiology or nuclear physics. However, he ended up studying law and entering politics, which he described as “a chaotic battlefield.” Despite this, he acknowledged that it is work that must be done.
Conclusion
President Lee’s speech and actions signal a significant shift in the government’s approach to science and technology. By increasing funding, promoting collaboration, and addressing past grievances, the administration is laying the groundwork for a future where scientific research is prioritized and valued. This new era promises to foster innovation, support researchers, and ensure that the nation’s scientific potential is fully realized.