South Korea will ease conflict-of-interest rules that applied when researchers at government-funded research institutes started companies using their institutes\' technologies or held stakes in firms that received transferred technologies. The Ministry of Science and ICT said revised laws were approved at a Cabinet meeting on Sept. 8 after passing the National Assembly on Aug. 20. The ministry plans to revise startup guidelines before the law takes effect in March 2027.

South Korea’s government budget for 2027 is set to rise sharply as a semiconductor export boom lifts tax revenue, raising the stakes for a September parliamentary session over how to allocate funds. The plan boosts spending to 820.9 trillion won and lifts revenue to 880.8 trillion won, led by a jump in national tax receipts. Funding for semiconductor and AI initiatives rises, including a new semiconductor special account, while debates centre on tax credits, infrastructure support and an exception to the 52-hour workweek cap.