[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] The Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity (KOFAC), which faced a management crisis due to the chairman's four consecutive mid-term resignations and confirmation of employee misconduct following a government comprehensive audit, is now at the cusp of a new leap forward. The Ministry of Science and ICT and KOFAC finalized innovation measures on the 28th through the KOFAC Emergency Management Innovation Committee to enhance the foundation's credibility.
The Emergency Innovation Committee did not view the current management crisis at KOFAC simply as a problem of leadership by the head of the institution. The committee diagnosed it as a complex result of various issues and causes, including the committee's roles and responsibilities (R&R), personnel composition, organizational culture, and project systems. Subsequently, they proposed 10 innovation tasks aimed at redefining roles and functions, restructuring management systems, and strengthening external communication and collaboration networks.
First, the government clearly defined KOFAC's role as leading the spread of science and technology culture, nurturing science convergence talents, and enhancing science, mathematics, and information education. It also announced plans to support and invest through project restructuring and personnel realignment.
The organizational structure was changed from the existing four divisions, one department, and one training institute system to one department, nine teams, and one training institute. The number of executives was reduced from 20 to 11, and a business mentor system was introduced to serve as mid-level responsible personnel.
Five major serious misconducts?sexual misconduct, acceptance of money or entertainment, recruitment irregularities, preferential treatment and solicitation through breach of confidentiality, and dissemination of false information targeting the institution?will be addressed through a "one strike out" policy. Employees confirmed to have committed misconduct in the recent comprehensive audit by the Ministry of Science and ICT will be strictly punished.
Kang Sang-wook, Director of the Future Talent Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "This innovation plan is meaningful in that it was created and executed together by KOFAC executives and staff, ensuring execution capability," and added, "Our ministry plans to actively support necessary administrative and financial measures so that KOFAC can be reborn as a science-centered specialized institution."
Jo Hyang-sook, Acting Chairperson of KOFAC, said, "Based on the innovation will shown by all employees at the innovation resolution report meeting, we will engage voluntarily and proactively to turn the current crisis into an opportunity for a new leap forward."
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