This study addresses the question of how to design the research system for national R&D programs that aim to promote creative innovation. This paper attempts to analyze the case of Creative Research Initiatives(CRI), a new national R&D program recently launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Korea. CRI is a strategic program intended to shift the national R&D paradigm from imitative innovation to creative innovation. The key features of the research system of the program include: a research-centered system, long-term research funding, the sunset approach, a dynamic and flexible research organization, and a centralized research system. This paper suggests theoretical rational of these key features based on the literature review on creative innovation. Based on an analysis of the results of implementing the CRI in 1997, this paper also examines how the research system design is reflected and embodied in the program implementation process. Finally, policy implications and future research directions are also discussed.