"Agenda-Driven Research Has Become Overly Dominant"... Young Scientists from Korea and Sweden Call for Expansion of Curiosity-Driven Research

"Balance in the Research Ecosystem Is Key"
Joint Policy Report Published by Young Academies of Korea and Sweden

Young scientists from Korea and Sweden have recently suggested that the current research support system is overly focused on "agenda-driven research," which prioritizes national strategies and the resolution of social issues. They emphasized the need to expand "curiosity-driven research" led by researchers themselves.

The Young Korean Academy of Science and Technology (YKAST) and the Young Academy of Sweden (YAS) announced on the 14th that they have jointly published a policy report titled "Curiosity-driven and Agenda-driven Research."

Cover of the policy report "Curiosity-driven and Agenda-driven Research," jointly published by the Young Korean Academy of Science and Technology (YKAST) and the Young Academy of Sweden (YAS). The two organizations suggested the need for a balance between curiosity-driven research and agenda-driven research. Provided by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology.

This report was co-authored by a total of nine people: six members of YKAST, including Professor Kwon Soonkyung of Gyeongsang National University and Professor Kim Sangwoo of Yonsei University, as well as three members of YAS, including Professor Gabriele Messori of Uppsala University.

The report analyzed that the recent research support system has shifted away from the traditional distinction between "basic research" and "applied research," and is being reorganized around "agenda-driven research" aimed at solving social problems and achieving national strategies.

According to the report, Korea has driven industrial growth mainly through government-led national strategic technologies and mission-oriented research and development (R&D), while Sweden has maintained a balance between researcher-driven basic and exploratory research and strategic research.

However, a survey of 111 next-generation scientists from both countries confirmed a shared recognition that the current research support system is somewhat biased toward agenda-driven research. Respondents answered that expanding support for curiosity-driven research will be necessary over the next 10 years.

The authors of the report stated, "More important than the total amount of research funding is the balance of the research ecosystem." They proposed, "While strategic research for solving social issues such as climate change, public health, and digital transformation is important, safeguards are also needed for researcher-led exploratory research that enables scientific breakthroughs and academic freedom."

Regarding the direction of international cooperation, the report emphasized, "Successful international cooperation should begin with connecting researchers whose values and research approaches are well aligned, rather than simply aligning national agendas."

This report marks the first time since its founding that YKAST has co-authored a publication with an overseas young academy. The report can be downloaded from the Korean Academy of Science and Technology website.

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