The government has raised next year's budget for scientific research and development by 9.6 percent to 9.7 trillion won.

The Science Ministry says the increased budget will help develop core technologies and expand the country's growth potential.

The budget for basic science R&D grew ten billion from last year's 170 billion while investment for key parts and material development rose from 252 billion to 263 billion won.

A 30 billion and 40 billion increase will respectively boost support for smaller firms and joint technological development by the industry, academia and think tanks.