Signal Region-led S&T innovation bill advances in the National Assembly

Summary

In February 2026 a bill on promoting region-led science and technology innovation was introduced by lawmaker Cho In-cheol. It aims to let regions build self-sustaining innovation ecosystems through science and technology and thereby pursue national balanced growth. Its main elements are locally led planning, dedicated agencies, management of R&D programs, fostering regional innovation actors, talent and living conditions, and solving regional problems with information systems. According to the author, a standing committee merged it with earlier regional S&T innovation bills into a chair's alternative, which was referred to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on 11 March 2026. An earlier 2023 bill had expired at the end of the legislative term in May 2024, while a 2024 reintroduction remained pending. The progression shows the legal basis for region-led innovation moving closer to enactment.