Experts have analyzed that the domestic science and engineering graduate school system needs to be reformed. Despite population decline due to low birth rates, there is criticism that an excessive number of doctoral-level personnel are being produced.
Park Gi-beom, senior researcher at the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) System Innovation Office, noted on the 7th in 'STEPI Insight No. 337' that 'the science and engineering graduate school has been facing a serious qualitative and quantitative crisis for over a decade, even before the population decline.'
The report, titled 'Innovation Measures for Science and Engineering Graduate Schools,' emphasizes the need for reforming the graduate school system to prepare for the domestic science and engineering crisis. There are concerns that while domestic universities receive minimal general financial support, most of their funding comes from government research and development (R&D) projects, leading to significant burdens on faculty. Additionally, the report highlights that the number of graduate students is excessively high compared to research funding.
Senior Researcher Park explained, 'It is necessary to distinguish between master's training and doctoral training depending on the conditions and capabilities of the graduate school,' adding that 'master's-focused graduate schools should produce personnel oriented towards practical work and field experience, while doctoral-focused graduate schools should foster research-oriented programs aiming for a global standard and specialize in specific research areas and regional hubs.'
The report emphasized that regional and smaller graduate schools should operate with a focus on master's degrees to enhance workforce training linked to regional industry demands and strengthen industry-academia cooperation support. It also proposed a specialization project for graduate schools to connect higher education financial support with university R&D support and institutional support.
The report warned that without significant restructuring, the domestic talent production system for science and technology would collapse. According to the report, if the current population decline continues, approximately 15 years from now, regional universities will find it nearly impossible to attract graduate students, except for the top 20 universities.
Senior Researcher Park said, 'The current university R&D system can no longer be sustained,' emphasizing that 'to nurture future science and technology personnel, it is necessary to strengthen the capabilities of universities and faculty, along with a stable support system for graduate students.'