286 R&D Regulations Unified... Significantly Reducing Administrative Burden for Researchers

Minister of Science and ICT Choi Ki-young attended the full meeting of the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee on the 7th and received a report from an official before the meeting began. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] A bill that oversees the 286 research and development management regulations across various ministries passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 20th. A bill allowing researchers in the country's 11 research and development special zones to demonstrate new technologies without being hindered by regulations also passed, and a bill promoting laboratory safety by establishing a national professional qualification for Laboratory Safety Managers cleared the National Assembly hurdle.

Passage of the Researcher Immersion Act

The National Research and Development Innovation Act, passed at the plenary session this time, is a common norm-type bill that oversees the management regulations of 286 national R&D projects across ministries. It is a bill aimed at unifying complex management regulations, and it is expected to significantly reduce the administrative burden on researchers. According to a survey by KISTEP (2016), domestic university researchers reported spending 62.7% of their working hours on administrative tasks.

The bill also includes principles for bottom-up project planning, operation of an integrated information system for national R&D projects, and establishment of research support systems at research institutions. Researchers' autonomy in research is expected to increase further.

The government plans to prepare enforcement ordinances and rules within the year. Minister Ki-Young Choi stated, "We will meticulously prepare subordinate laws so that the effects can be felt on the ground."

Strengthening 'New Technology Demonstration' in R&D Special Zones

Daejeon Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone, densely populated with government-funded research institutes

A bill to strengthen the characteristics of R&D special zones also passed. In the country's 11 R&D special zones, the bill allows the application of regulatory exemptions when researchers demonstrate new technologies.

Seokmin Kwon, Director of the Science and Technology Job Innovation Office, said, "The passage of this amendment to the Special Act on R&D Special Zones is a meaningful step as a cornerstone for these zones to become cradles of new technology creation," adding, "We will ensure that regulations do not become obstacles for researchers in R&D special zones in creating new technologies."

A bill to protect researchers and enhance laboratory safety was also prepared. The Act on the Creation of a Safe Laboratory Environment strengthens the responsibilities of laboratory managers and ensures appropriate safety measures are taken based on health checkups, safety inspections, and accident investigations. Safety management of small branch campuses or branches can be integrated and managed by the main campus or headquarters, and in cases of minor legal violations, correction orders can be issued before imposing fines.

In particular, a national professional qualification system was established to cultivate specialized personnel dedicated to laboratory safety management. Laboratory Safety Managers, selected through the first qualification exam in 2022, will be responsible for everything from safety inspections of laboratories to response and follow-up management after accidents.

Minister Choi said, "I am pleased that the bill, which was eagerly awaited for prompt enactment and implementation at research sites, has passed the National Assembly, and we will meticulously prepare subordinate laws so that the changes brought by the legislation can be felt on the ground."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.