"National Tax Service, Statistics Korea, and Public Procurement Service Should Also Conduct Research"…Attention Amid Tax Revenue Forecast Failures

Ministry of Science and ICT Holds Inter-Ministerial Meeting Chaired by Lee Kyung-soo, Head of Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, on the 4th

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The government, recently criticized for failing to predict tax revenue, is drawing attention by promoting research and development (R&D) activation in related agencies such as the National Tax Service, Statistics Korea, and Public Procurement Service.

On the morning of the 4th, the Ministry of Science and ICT held an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Lee Kyung-soo, head of the Science and Technology Innovation Headquarters, to expand national R&D. The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "As the social and public roles of science and technology expand and demands for tangible outcomes that the public can feel increase, this meeting was organized to identify new R&D demands mainly from central administrative agencies that have not conducted R&D so far and to promote their participation in national R&D projects." This year, the government’s R&D budget is approximately 29.8 trillion won, with 38 central administrative agencies directly utilizing it to improve work processes and develop systems.

This meeting attracted particular attention as it was held for directors in charge from central administrative agencies related to the real economy, such as the National Tax Service, Statistics Korea, and Public Procurement Service. The government has failed to predict tax revenue in recent years, causing a major controversy as an additional 50 trillion won in tax revenue was collected last year alone without any prior expectation. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki announced in January that the tax revenue estimation model would be completely revamped. Attendees included Jeong Jae-su, Planning and Coordination Officer of the National Tax Service; Kim Eung-geol, Innovation Procurement Planning Officer of the Public Procurement Service; Jeong Hyang-woo, Planning and Coordination Officer of Statistics Korea; and Bae Jung-seop, Planning and Coordination Officer of the Korea Communications Commission. They reportedly listened to explanations about the promotion cases of newly conducting R&D departments and discussed each agency’s research and development demands.

At the meeting, Lee Kyung-soo emphasized, "Social demand for solving national and social issues through science and technology is increasing, and the role of science and technology in improving the quality of life for citizens is expanding." He added, "We hope that central administrative agencies that have not conducted research and development so far will show interest and participate actively in utilizing science and technology to solve public problems directly related to the lives of the people."

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