New Law Takes Effect to Support Corporate Research Labs and Innovation
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT has begun enforcing the new Corporate-Affiliated Research Institutes Act (기업부설연구소법) to strengthen support for company-led R&D and create a clearer, more flexible operating framework. The law separates corporate research units from previous technology support laws and standardizes recognition, management, and support criteria for company research institutes and dedicated R&D departments. Key changes allow adaptable research spaces (including movable partitions), recognition of master's students participating in national R&D as dedicated research personnel, and multiple branch locations to ease operational burdens. The rules also extend correction deadlines (up to two months on request), permit limited concurrent duties for research management staff, and tighten procedures for cancelling recognition and for-site inspections. To prevent fraud and misuse, penalties and fines are clarified, though a three-year guidance period will be provided for initial adjustment. The ministry will also mark September 7 each year as Technology Developers’ Day to honor corporate researchers. The minister said the law aims to systematically support company research and boost national innovation and competitiveness.
