[Column] Three Key Issues of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' Relocation to Sejong

[Asia Economy Kim Daeseop, Deputy Director of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups] Unlike national athletes who enter the Taereung Training Center and train together with other athletes, can an athlete who comes and goes from outside and participates in training still win a gold medal at the Olympics? This thought suddenly came to mind while observing the growing conflicts among stakeholders regarding the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' plan to relocate its agency.

On the 16th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups submitted a 'Letter of Intent to Relocate to Sejong City' to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety for the relocation of its Daejeon headquarters organization. Despite strong opposition from Daejeon City and local lawmakers, the Ministry showed a strong determination to move to Sejong City.

The main points of contention regarding the Ministry's relocation to Sejong City can be broadly categorized into three issues. First is the issue of 'collaboration with other ministries.' Opponents of the move argue that considering the distance between the Ministry's headquarters in the Daejeon Government Complex and Sejong City is within 30 minutes by car, there is no hindrance to collaboration with other ministries.

The position of the Ministry's employees differs. Taking into account traffic volume and other factors, it actually takes more than an hour, especially if they have meetings at the Sejong Government Complex and then return to the Ministry during rush hour, which takes over an hour and 30 minutes. Including time for report writing and other tasks, this causes significant difficulties.

There is also a difference in views regarding the 'cost of relocating to Sejong City.' Opponents argue that there is no reason or justification to relocate the agency using taxpayers' money (relocation costs). On the other hand, Ministry employees say that if the relocation to Sejong City becomes possible, administrative costs such as travel expenses incurred from meetings with other ministries can be significantly reduced.

Whether the relocation will accelerate 'urban decline' is also a point of contention. Opponents claim that if the Ministry, the only central government agency in Daejeon City, moves to Sejong City, it will further accelerate urban decline. Conversely, Ministry employees argue that regardless of the relocation, many still reside in Daejeon, so economic activities will continue.

According to a 2018 survey conducted among all employees of the Ministry, 68.6% wished to relocate to Sejong City. In an era where competition between countries is fierce and survival in global competition is essential, can government ministries create synergy effects by gathering together to collaborate quickly and closely in policy implementation? This is the core to resolving the conflict over the relocation to Sejong City.