[Deputy Director Column] The Path to a 'Smart' Ministry of SMEs and Startups

[Asia Economy Kim Daeseop, Deputy Director of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups] 'Hyeolgikwangseong (血氣旺盛)'. It is a word that means youth. It expresses the vigor that enables one to exert strength and be active, representing the prime of life. A public official from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, whom I have known for a long time, recently showed anticipation regarding the organizational personnel announcement. The excitement stems from the consecutive forward placement of executives in their 40s to key senior positions of 'Director-General (Level 1)', who oversee major policy operations.

His voice conveyed a sense of trust that a new and significant change, different from before, would take place. Not only this official but also many within the Ministry of SMEs and Startups have high expectations. The main figures are Byeon Taeseop, appointed Director of the Small Business Policy Office on the 17th, and Lee Junhee, Director of the Planning and Coordination Office, who was selected around mid-December last year. Both were born in 1971. Compared to the directors from the 1960s who previously held these positions, they are certainly younger.

This personnel change is said to embody the will to achieve results in realizing a 'Smart Korea' for the national digital economy transformation. Of course, appointing young executives in their 40s does not guarantee success in implementing Smart Korea.

Nevertheless, there is great hope that the two directors, equipped with the vigor of their 40s, will significantly influence the advancement of policies at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Synergy effects with the newly established 'Small Business Smart Manufacturing Innovation Planning Group' through recent organizational restructuring are also anticipated.

The Director of the Small Business Policy Office and the Director of the Planning and Coordination Office are considered key positions within the Ministry. The Small Business Policy Office is responsible for policies related to jobs, corporate finance, market access, and regional innovation. The Planning and Coordination Office handles policy planning, budgeting, and innovative administration.

The spokesperson organization, a major department, has also begun new changes. A 'Media Cooperation Team' was newly established to reinforce personnel and strengthen policy promotion. Although it serves as the 'face' of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups both internally and externally, there have been many criticisms regarding the immaturity of promotional policies since the Ministry's launch in July 2017. Various shortcomings have also been revealed in the communication processes related to promotion, both inside and outside the organization.

Since the Ministry's inception, two spokespersons have left their posts in less than a year. The third spokesperson has not yet been appointed. Since February last year, the spokesperson duties have been managed by an acting spokesperson. The spokesperson position at the director level is as important as the director-general level. There is also anticipation for the vitality that the new 'Smart Spokesperson' will bring to the organization.