Prime Minister Kim Visits Sejong Research Complex, Emphasizes "Support for Autonomous and Creative Research"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum visited the Sejong National Research Complex on the 16th and stated, "We will actively support the autonomous and creative research of research institutions so that national research institutes can respond swiftly to social uncertainties and propose innovative policy alternatives."

At a meeting with the heads of 26 government-funded research institutes that day, Prime Minister Kim said, "To prepare for post-COVID responses and carbon neutrality, the national research institutes and the government should communicate more closely."

This is the first time a Prime Minister has visited the Sejong National Research Complex since its establishment in December 2014. Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "The government and national research institutes are one team working for the happiness of the people."

During the meeting, Prime Minister Kim discussed ways to improve performance management systems and administrative systems with the heads of government-funded research institutes. Oh Jae-han, Chairman of the Research Excellence Committee of the National Research Council of Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences (and President of the Korea Transport Institute), also proposed the designation consignment system for policy research by national research institutes, improvements to the wage system, and additional support for personnel expenses.

The meeting was attended by Jeong Hae-gu, Chairman of the National Research Council of Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as Moon Mi-ok, President of the Science and Technology Policy Institute, Kang Hyun-soo, President of the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements, and Kim Heung-jong, President of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy.