Analyzes the performance and adaptive roles of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), which has made significant contributions to the scientific, technological, and industrial development of South Korea. Based on normative and descriptive analyses, this paper concludes that KIST should now shift its institutional position to that of a future-oriented multidisciplinary research institute, adapting to the growing need for indigenous research and development (R&D) directed toward core and original high-technology development, the increased need for collaborative research with industries, and role duplications among government-supported research institutes (GRIs) and private R&D institutions. -Authors