The National Academy of Engineering of Korea, a meeting of experts in the engineering field and industry professionals, proposed the establishment of an 'Innovation Chief Office' in the presidential office. The proposal suggests that to strengthen the innovation capabilities in the science and technology sector, it is necessary to break away from the fragmented operational structure of ministries and enhance integration and coordination functions.
The Academy pointed out in its issue report 'Voice 67' published on the 21st that urgent reforms of government governance (policy promotion system) are needed to dramatically enhance industrial technology innovation capabilities.
As an alternative, the Academy presented four policy governance reform proposals. First, the establishment of the 'Innovation Chief Office' in the presidential office. It noted that key issues such as industrial technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and talent development are being fragmented due to competition among ministries, and overcoming this requires the establishment of an Innovation Chief (tentative name) in the presidential office, with substantial policy and budget adjustment authority.
The Innovation Chief Office will be responsible for integrating management of the entire cycle of technological innovation from research and development (R&D) to commercialization and industrialization, as well as flexibly managing the national agenda.
To encourage practical collaboration among ministries, it was also proposed to introduce a joint vice-minister system and establish a Chief Collaboration Officer (CCO) within each ministry responsible for collaboration. They emphasized that substantial incentives related to personnel and budget should be provided based on cooperation outcomes and that a collaboration-based organizational culture needs to be created.
There were also proposals to introduce a 'responsibility budgeting system' to increase budget autonomy for each ministry and strengthen accountability for performance. Additionally, it was suggested that universities and government-funded research institutes should be provided with organization-level block funding to move away from short-term competition and focus on mid- to long-term strategic technology development. Finally, there was a suggestion to introduce an AI and data-driven planning system for the entire policymaking process.
Yoon Ui-jun, chairman of the Academy, said, "Now is precisely the time for fundamental innovation of the government system for technological innovation," and expressed hope that "this report will serve as a catalyst for promoting public discussion on governance reforms ahead of the 21st presidential election."