A Study on Strategies of Public R&D to Achieve National Carbon Neutrality: Focusing on the Implications of the Republic of Korea

Climate action is at the top of the agenda in the international community, as demonstrated at the 2021 G7 Summit and the 2021 UN Climate Summit. Major developed countries are scrambling to make a transition to a green economy and create a new growth momentum. Following the Paris Climate Agreement in 2016, they focus on "carbon neutrality" as an effective means of tackling climate change. The Republic of Korea, a high-carbon economy, submitted its second Nationally Determined Contribution and announced carbon neutrality as a top policy priority. Accordingly, the country increases government budget in research and development (R&D) and science and technology (S&T) policies. Against this backdrop, this study analyzed policies on carbon-neutral S&T and R&D in major advanced countries. The analysis was made by identifying globally pending issues in carbon-neutral policies and climate technology. In addition, focus group interviews were conducted six times with 10 experts to come up with three R&D strategies and action plans for government-funded research institutes to achieve carbon neutrality. To be specific, the following measures were suggested. First, creative and innovative R&D programs are required to solve the problem of carbon emissions. Second, it is necessary to establish carbon neutrality policies and infrastructure which are sustainable to run and manage. Third, it is crucial to promote cooperation in climate technology based on excellence. In conclusion, the strategies proposed in this study are expected to provide directions and implications for policymakers, researchers, and scholars in science and technology to develop effective strategies to achieve national carbon neutrality.