[Organization Framework and Legal Framework]


Organizational Framework

The Ministry of Science and Technology(MOST) has the responsibility of formulating national science and technology policies and plans. In the process of formulating the national development plans, MOST coordinates and integrates the plans of other ministries for science and technology development through three mechanisms. One of the mechanisms is the National Science and Technology Council, which coordinates and integrates inter-ministerial execution and operates under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. The thirteen ministers and distinguished persons in the field of science and technology serve as members of the Council. The second mechanism, recently introduced to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of governmental R&D Program, is the Ministerial Council on Science and Technology, under the chairmanship of the Deputy-Prime Minister for Finance and Economy. The third mechanism is the Presidential Council on Science and Technology, which is an organization of leaders representing diverse areas of science and technology. The council reviews important science and technology policies to advise the President.(Chart 1.1)

MOST was established on April 21, 1967. MOST acts as the central agency for national science and technology development. The main functions of MOST include the following:

Science and Technology Administration

Legal Framework

There are about ninety laws in force for science and technology development and promotion. Of them, major laws are:

  1. The National Science and Technology Promotion Law (Law No. 1864, 1967)
    This is the basic law to systematically promote science and technology at the national level. The important provisions of this law include the establishment of policies and plans for science and technology and the overall support mechanism for related projects and agencies.

  2. The Industrial Technology Development Promotion Law(Law No 2399,1972)
    This law provides financial and tax incentives to encourage technology development of private enterprises.

  3. The Promotion of Engineering Services Law (Law No. 2474, 1973)
    This law aims to promote the engineering industry, which contributes to the development of manufacturing industies and expedites the commercialization of R&D results.

  4. The Promotion of Basic Scientific Research Law (Law No. 4196, 1989)
    This law provides a legal base for financial support for basic scientific research at R & D institutes and universities.

  5. The Atomic Energy Law (Law No. 483, 1959)
    This law was enacted to promote the peaceful use of atomic energy. It also includes measures regarding radiation disaster and public safety.

  6. Special Law on Innovation of Science and Technology This law is being written to greatly accelerate innovation in science and technology. It only will be in force for five years.

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