Special Lecture on Regional Resilience by Professor Song Wonguen of Gyeongsang National University
Highlighting the Proactive Role of Local Councils
The Jinju Vitality Recovery Research Association, a research group of Jinju City Council members in South Gyeongsang Province, is ramping up research activities aimed at responding to the crisis facing the local community due to a decline in the youth population, aging demographics, and deteriorating residential conditions.
On July 16, the association held a special lecture at the small conference room of Jinju City Council under the theme "Beyond Regional Extinction, Toward Regional Vitality Recovery." The event sought ways for Jinju, a key city in western Gyeongsangnam-do, to establish effective and sustainable development strategies.
The lecture was delivered by Song Wonguen, a professor in the Department of Economics at Gyeongsang National University and a leading authority in the fields of regional industrial economy and resilience.
During the lecture, Professor Song offered in-depth insights into strategies for restoring regional vitality in the face of the era-defining and structural crisis of regional extinction, as well as the proactive role of local councils.
In particular, Professor Song emphasized the importance of developing new indicators and actionable strategies to bridge regional disparities, as well as the integrated management of policies and resources. He explained that local councils serve as a central pillar in building strategic cooperation systems among civil society, experts, and the administration.
Park Jaesik, the representative of the research association and a Jinju City Council member, stated, "It is urgent to establish a policy foundation to address complex local issues such as youth outflow and the dissolution of the community," and evaluated, "Today's lecture provided valuable policy implications for Jinju City's sustainability and vitality recovery."
During the Q&A and discussion session following the lecture, a variety of practical measures applicable to Jinju City were discussed, and participants agreed on the need for cooperation to restore the local community.
The lecture was attended by a total of seven city council members, including Park Jaesik, the association's representative, as well as Yoon Seonggwan, Kang Jincheol, Kim Hyeongseok, Choi Minkook, Choi Hoyeon, and Shin Seogyeong, and concluded successfully.
The Jinju Vitality Recovery Research Association aims to carry out research activities and policy research projects through November, focusing on improving local residential infrastructure, attracting and retaining young talent, building a startup ecosystem, and establishing win-win models among universities, local governments, and regional companies. The ultimate goal is to develop a mid- to long-term policy roadmap and enact related ordinances.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
