What's Changing: The August 31, 2026 R&D Evaluation and Administration Reform
On August 31, 2026, the Korean government announced a reform of how national R&D projects are evaluated and administered. The headline: the outcome-based grading and scoring system is being scrapped in favor of selecting outstanding projects and rewarding them with incentives.
SMEs applying for or running projects this year should start preparing for the 2027 criteria now.
What "Excellent Even If It Fails" Really Means
The most talked-about change is that a project can be named outstanding even if it misses its targets. If the research produced meaningful data or knowledge, that value can be recognized with incentives such as follow-on funding or government awards.
But there are a few common misunderstandings:
Moving Targets: How to Adjust Goals Mid-Project
The moving-target system lets you revise research goals partway through when technology or market conditions shift. If a competitor gets there first or a customer changes its specs, you no longer have to stick with the original target.
Approval depends on evidence:
Changes in Research Administration and Settlement
Paperwork is getting lighter as well. Under May's forms reform, projects announced on IRIS since July 2026 use a checklist-based process, and agencies can no longer request documents beyond the approved forms. This reform adds a cross-ministry standard settlement guide and a casebook of eligible and ineligible expenses, both on the way.
That doesn't mean documentation can slide. SMEs still need to watch:
2027 Checklist for Applicants and Current Grantees
How KITIM Can Help
The Korea Institute of Technology Innovation Management (KITIM) helps companies redesign R&D proposals and prepare for presentation reviews under the new framework. For ongoing projects, we also support moving-target change requests, settlement documentation checks, and other day-to-day project management. If you're preparing a 2027 application or unsure how the new evaluations will affect your current project, reach out through KITIM's contact page to schedule a consultation.