과기부 예산 29.6조원 역대 최대…AI 분야 9.4조원 84% 급증

The Ministry of Science, ICT and Communication allocated a 2027 budget of 29.6 trillion won, the highest in history. The government plans to invest heavily in artificial intelligence (AI), the three mega-projects, and the seven key research projects (SEED) to secure future growth and enhance the country's technological competitiveness.

The government approved the 2027 budget at the National Assembly on a daily basis. The core investment areas of the Ministry's budget for next year include accelerating the transition of AI, securing advanced technologies, and achieving balanced growth in science and technology and digital infrastructure. The largest increase was in the AI sector, with a budget of 9.4211 trillion won, a 84% increase from this year.

The budget includes 5.6 trillion won for the "top-tier (frontier-level) AI model and technology acquisition" and 8 trillion won for the construction of high-quality data. The budget also covers personnel acquisition (250 billion won) and the establishment of "AI for All" to support the use of universal AI chatbots and agents by all citizens.

The budget for 3 major mega-projects, including physical AI, AI data centers, and semiconductor manufacturing, increases from 2.981 trillion won this year to 7.956 trillion won next year. The Ministry plans to support the domestication of the national AI foundation model and robot training data infrastructure, as well as the domestication of AI data centers technology.

Another key investment area, securing advanced technologies, will receive a 15.8% increase to 12.3770 trillion won. This will be used for research and development in quantum, advanced bio, space, and nuclear fusion, as well as support for the development and commercialization of national strategic technologies, basic research, and improving the research environment of government-affiliated research institutes.

The Ministry aims to promote the expansion of regional autonomous research and development, technology development for disaster prevention, illegal drug smuggling, deepfake crimes, and other societal issues. Minister in charge of the Ministry stated, "Through the 3 major mega-projects, AI, and the 7 key research projects, we will lead the unprecedented 'non-replaceable Korea'."