South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT has completed measures on 13 of 17 issues that were repeatedly flagged during parliamentary audits over the past five years.

The ministry said on Wednesday that the government, led by the Prime Minister's Office since May, has reviewed recurring audit findings over the past five years and pursued institutional and policy improvements.

The ministry said it has finished measures on 13 of the 17 recurring issues through steps including improvements to laws and systems, budget increases and project implementation. It is carrying out improvement procedures for the remaining 4 items related to agencies under its jurisdiction.

In the research and development (R&D) area, it reflected criticism calling for steps to ease difficulties in the research field and to expand investment after budget cuts in 2024. The government's R&D budget proposal increased 11.2 percent to 39.5 trillion won in 2027 from 35.5 trillion won in 2026. It plans to expand investment in AI, seven SEED projects, youth and talent, and basic research.

It also revised systems to build AI data centers. The ministry promulgated in June a special act on promoting the AI data center industry that includes simplified permitting and licensing procedures and special provisions related to facilities and power supply. The law will take effect on March 10, 2027.

It is also moving to abolish the project-based system (PBS) for government-funded research institutes. The decision to abolish PBS was made following criticism that competition to win projects lowers researchers' focus and increases administrative burdens. The ministry is pursuing follow-up measures to revamp the institutes' financial structure and their mission-oriented research and operating system.

It also expanded manpower for responding to cyber intrusions. The ministry set up a cyber intrusion investigation team dedicated to investigation and response work and increased related staff to 5 from 2. It also added 33 investigators at the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA).

For four issues where measures have not yet been completed, including work-life balance for scientists and engineers, improvements to the research environment at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, and operational improvements at the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, it plans to proceed with follow-up procedures in line with improvement plans.

The ministry said it plans to reflect parliament's remarks in policy and institutional improvements during this year's parliamentary audit as well, and to continuously monitor progress.