Labor unions in the field of science and technology have urged the Lee Jae-myung government to promote more practical and sustainable science and technology policies. The Korea Federation of Science and Technology Labor Unions and the Public Science and Technology Research Union stated in a news release on the 4th that a fundamental shift is necessary to strengthen science and technology competitiveness.
The Korea Federation of Science and Technology Labor Unions noted, "Science and technology have been emphasized as a 'national strategy' by successive governments, but often this has remained mere slogans rather than translating into substantial support." It criticized the significant cuts to research and development (R&D) budgets made by the previous government, stating that this decision has severely impacted the research ecosystem.
The Korea Federation of Science and Technology Labor Unions argued, "The aversion to science and engineering fields is deepening, and the competitiveness of national science and technology is under threat," adding, "To overcome this crisis, stable and continuous expansion of the R&D budget is essential." It further emphasized the need to create an environment that guarantees researchers' autonomy and creativity, alongside improving the treatment of researchers.
The Public Science and Technology Research Union also claimed that a certain percentage of the government budget should be reliably allocated to R&D. At the same time, it urged the creation of a structure where private experts, including researchers, can meaningfully participate in the science and technology policy-making process, thereby enhancing both professionalism and openness.
It added, "The recovery of science and technology is a rebirth of the national economy and is directly linked to the future of the younger generation," and stressed, "National science and technology sovereignty must be returned to the scientists at the research sites."