The science ministry said Thursday it will set aside 24.8 trillion won (US$17.9 billion) in next year's budget for research and development projects. Under the plan, the government will funnel 3.5 trillion won into three areas next year -- artificial intelligence chips, advanced biotechnology and quantum technology -- that can foster national innovation, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT. For basic research, 2.94 trillion won will be set aside, and another 2.4 trillion won will be for cutting-edge technologies, such as semiconductors and next-generation communications. The ministry said the government will also invest more than 1 trillion won in the space industry for the first time to help the country become a global space power. Source: Yonhap News Agency