What the Science Ministry Has Done Since its inauguration
SEOUL, KOREA - Since the inauguration of the Park Geun-hye administration, the new government has laid the groundwork for “creative economy,” by encouraging creative ideas and investing more resources in science, information, and communications technology (ICT). The new government appointed the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning, shortly science ministry, as a key government agency that is responsible for realizing its vision. Choi Mun-kee, a professor at KAIST, was named as the head of the science ministry last April.
Taking a look at what the science ministry has done since its inauguration it is clear they have been busy. It has focused on establishing a foundation for embodying creative economy with five goals: creating creative economy ecosystem, strengthening capabilities in ICT research and development (R&D) with an innovative spirit, fostering the software and content industry, promoting international collaboration and globalization, and realizing science and ICT for the happiness of the people.
After presenting its “Development Plan for an Ecosystem for Start-ups and Venture Funds” in May, the ministry proposed “Plan for the Realization of Creative Economy and Creative Economy Ecosystem” last month.
This month, in a bid to eradicate unfair trades between big and small enterprises and encourage their accompanied growth, the ministry has suggested a “Plan for the Improvement of the Software Public Client Policy,” which seeks a gradual increase in budget on software maintenance costs within the 15% annual maximum by 2017.
In addition to these plans, the ministry proposed the “Global K-Start-ups Program” in May, the “Smart Advertisement Promotion Policy,” and the “Program for Fostering Online-based New Businesses.” In addition to these, the “Plan for Utilizing and Reviving First Generation Venture Enterprises” was announced in June, and the “Development Plan of Government-Protected Industries and Contents Industry,” and “Vitalization Plan for Global Start-ups” in July.
How to Truly Realize “Creative Economy”
By Choi’s own estimation, the science ministry has successfully established its identity as a key agency taking the lead in creative economy. However, critics say it seems that the ministry has failed to bring forth a clear direction for creative economy. This means the ministry is facing the challenge of initiating the plans and developing a social consensus on them.
In addition, some say that the science ministry has been unsuccessful in receiving support and cooperation from other ministries even though creative economy should be subject to active participation and close collaboration among ministries to be realized. Selfishness tendencies seem to exist amongst each ministry. If the ministry fails to solve this problem, creative economy amount to a castle in the air, policy evaluation experts say.
Experts have suggested that the Park administration should allocate the science ministry to organize a budget and committee in its attempt to implement creative economy. Another suggestion that has arisen is for the government to hold monthly, or even weekly, meetings to examine and discuss the ministry’s performances. Furthermore, experts say that in order to harmonize related parties, the government needs to authorize the ministry to entrust independent regulation works, if necessary.
Science Technology, Driving Force of Creative Economy
Choi is making great efforts to develop science technology that contributes to solving social problems and promoting economic growth. He underscored that the outcome of R&D by research institutes should be commercialized and transferred to the corporate sector. The science ministry held “the public hearing for the development policies of government-funded institutes” in recent days to share information on the new administration’s policies for government-funded research with private corporations. At his first press conference, Choi also promised to guarantee the institute’s autonomy by consulting with related parties.
As the main player in constructing the “International Science and Business Belt (ISBB),” which has been designed to enhance the nation’s science and technology competitiveness, the science ministry settled the controversy concerning ISBB construction costs by signing an MOU on “changes proposed to expand the ISBB stronghold,” with the city of Dae-jeon.
