Ahn Cheol-soo "Science and Technology Chief Should Be Established... Prioritize Problem Solving Over R&D Budget Cuts"

Urgent Need to Improve Environment Hindering Research Efficiency
"We Will Revise Laws and Remove Excessive Regulations"

On the 22nd, Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, stated, "For the sustainable growth of our country, a second scientific and technological advancement is necessary," adding, "It is time to establish a Chief of Science and Technology in the Presidential Office and elevate the Minister of Science and Technology to a Deputy Prime Minister level, reflecting a science and technology-centered direction in national governance." He also emphasized the urgency of improving the environment that hinders research efficiency in relation to the recent cuts in research and development (R&D) budgets announced by the Yoon Seok-yeol administration.

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, is attending the 'Science and Technology R&D Investment Strategy Forum' and listening to a participant's lecture. (Provided by Ahn Cheol-soo's office)

On the same day, Ahn made these remarks at the 'Science and Technology R&D Investment Strategy Forum' held at the Korean Intellectual Property Office. The forum was hosted by Ahn and jointly organized by the Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies and the Science and Technology and Social Development Solidarity. This was two months after a forum on September 25 that pointed out the problems of the government's cuts in science and technology R&D budgets.

At the forum, Ahn said, "To enhance the efficiency and strengthen the quality of our country's science and technology research and development, diagnosing the problems of domestic science and technology R&D and taking measures to resolve them must come before budget cuts," adding, "It is urgent to improve the environment that hinders researchers' efficiency."

Participants from the science and technology sector at the forum pointed out regulatory-centered bureaucracy, toxic leadership, rigid evaluation systems, and poor working conditions as factors hindering the enhancement of South Korea's science and technology competitiveness. They urged the establishment of a virtuous cycle system to improve research efficiency and the creation of an autonomous research environment with adequate compensation.

In response, Ahn promised, "I will work to revise laws for the promotion and development of science and technology in the National Assembly and remove excessive regulations."

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