The government has finalized its implementation plans for the New Growth 4.0 15 Key Projects this year, accelerating innovation in critical industrial sectors.
It plans to expand strategic investments in “disruptive technologies” such as data, artificial intelligence (AI), 6G, and next-generation healthcare while strengthening support for emerging industries like semiconductors, secondary batteries, and aerospace.
On Tuesday, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang Mok, who also serves as the Minister of Economy and Finance, chaired a meeting at the Government Complex Seoul. During the session, officials approved the New Growth 4.0 15 Key Projects 2025 Implementation Plan.
The government first announced the New Growth 4.0 Strategy Implementation Plan in 2022 to address challenges such as securing future technologies, advancing digital transformation, and strengthening leadership in strategic industries. The newly approved agenda outlines this year’s action plan.
This year, the government will actively pursue the establishment of a National AI Computing Center and increase investment in AI semiconductor research and development (R&D) from 870 billion KRW (approximately $652.5 million) last year to 1.26 trillion KRW (approximately $945 million). AI services will be expanded in the public sector and healthcare institutions to encourage AI adoption, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be supported in integrating innovative technologies.
These initiatives aim to enhance global AI competitiveness and drive AI-powered innovation in manufacturing and services.
The government will also accelerate 6G development. This year, a next-generation network task force will be launched, with plans to demonstrate Pre-6G technology next year. Additionally, efforts will be made to secure low-orbit satellite communication technologies to facilitate global market entry. Cybersecurity R&D will also be expanded, with new initiatives focused on generative AI security technologies.
The government will prioritize infectious disease response, regenerative medicine, and digital medical devices in future healthcare. Research into vaccines and treatments for emerging viral threats will be expanded, and regulatory frameworks will be improved to enable faster market entry for digital medical technologies.
The government will sustain large-scale investments in semiconductors, secondary batteries, and displays to maintain a competitive edge in key strategic industries and sectors.
In the semiconductor industry, the government will expedite the development of semiconductor mega-clusters, expand support for fabless companies and AI semiconductor advancements, and finalize regulatory measures to ensure that the Semiconductor Special Act is implemented within six months of enactment.
For secondary batteries, the government will advance next-generation battery technologies, including solid-state and lithium-sulfur batteries, while also improving regulations for battery recycling. In displays, efforts will be made to develop organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and inorganic light-emitting display technologies alongside training programs to build a skilled workforce for the next-generation display sector.
In aerospace, the fourth launch of the Nuri rocket is scheduled for this year. The long-term goal is to develop next-generation launch vehicles and a lunar lander by 2032. Research on reusable launch vehicle technology will also begin, and initiatives will be launched to boost private-sector involvement in the space industry through satellite navigation advancements and aerospace industry clusters.
To support carbon neutrality, the government will establish basic plans for the Net-Zero City Project in four locations this year, with additional sites to be introduced in 2026. Efforts will focus on accelerating the transition to green energy through technology development and urban infrastructure improvements.
The government will also expand future mobility infrastructure by creating autonomous driving test zones and developing high-precision road maps. Demonstration projects for urban air mobility (UAM) will continue, with commercialization targeted for 2030. This year, legal and regulatory frameworks will be revised to support introducing robotic and drone-based delivery services in urban areas.
Construction will begin this year on K-content-fostering IP convergence lusters in Goyang and Daejeon and a special effects cluster. A K-content fund and a global investment fund will also be established to support overseas expansion for domestic companies.
The government will expand the K-tourism resort belt in the tourism sector and establish three additional K-gastronomy zones. Meanwhile, efforts to enhance defense exports will be intensified to become one of the world’s top four defense exporters by 2027, supported by tax incentives, R&D funding, and global sales initiatives.