Its purpose is to set, manage, and evaluate science and technology policy, support scientific research and development, develop human resources, conduct R&D leading to the production and consumption of Atomic power, plan national informatization and information protection strategies, manage radio frequency bands, oversee the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, and operate Korea Post.

[3] The ministry was created under a reorganization plan initiated by South Korean President Park Geun-hye in an effort to generate new sources of economic growth in the areas of science and information technology.

[6] Policies on new media, such as cable TV service operators, satellite channels and digital multimedia broadcasting, have been transferred to this ministry.

[4][7] The ministry will help drive the so-called national informatization project, which seeks to introduce technology into a variety of areas including traditional markets, agriculture, and small- and medium-sized businesses.

[12][13] A person in charge said "the business plan is just a document made by a member of the mission, and is not an official policy".