South Korea will allocate a record $25.1 billion to R&D in 2026, with major investments in AI, renewable energy, and new growth engines.
SEOUL: The Government of South Korea has announced its largest-ever budget for research and development, committing 35.3 trillion won (US$25.1 billion) for 2026. The investment marks a 19.3 percent increase from this year’s 29.6 trillion-won budget, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.
A key focus of the plan is artificial intelligence (AI). The government will allocate 2.3 trillion won to projects aimed at accelerating AI adoption across industries and expanding its use in the public sector, including administration, health care, and defense. This amount is more than double the previous year’s AI allocation, highlighting the central role the technology will play in Korea’s economic transformation.
Another major area of investment is renewable energy development, with 2.6 trillion won earmarked for technologies that will support Korea’s transition toward sustainable power. This represents a 19.1 percent increase compared with 2025. Officials noted that renewable innovation will be critical in strengthening the country’s energy security and meeting climate goals.
The record-breaking budget reflects South Korea’s commitment to securing new growth engines, enhancing productivity, and positioning itself as a global leader in future technologies. By investing heavily in strategic areas such as AI and clean energy, the government aims to boost national competitiveness while preparing society for digital and environmental transitions.
Experts say the 2026 R&D allocation underscores Korea’s determination to combine technological innovation with sustainability, ensuring that its industries remain resilient and globally competitive in the years ahead.
