[Policy Pulse] Conditions for the Success of the 'Creating Ten Seoul National Universities' Initiative

Virtuous Cycle Possible Only with Local Jobs
Challenges Remain: University Collaboration and Increased Investment

Lee Gijeong, President of Hanyang University

The warning signs of a crisis in South Korea's higher education have been flashing for quite some time. Due to the declining school-age population, it is projected that by 2040, the number of new university students will be halved compared to today. More than 70% of young people wish to remain in the Seoul metropolitan area, and over 40% of regional universities are unable to fill their admissions quotas, putting their very existence at risk. Unfortunately, the various higher education policies introduced by the government so far have only widened the gap between the capital region and the provinces.

In this context, the government's 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities' policy is not merely about elevating the status of a select few universities. It is a strategic project aimed at safeguarding national competitiveness and promoting balanced regional development. However, there are essential conditions that must be met for this policy to succeed.

Most importantly, the presence of companies and a robust local settlement ecosystem is crucial. No matter how prestigious a university may be in a region, if there are no suitable jobs or career paths after graduation, students will inevitably move to the capital area. Conversely, if globally competitive companies are established in the region, the situation changes. Students will choose local universities, remain in the area after graduation, and universities and companies will grow together. Companies attract talent, talent enables universities to thrive, and the collaboration between universities and companies makes regional innovation possible.

The next requirement is symbiosis and sharing among universities. If each university remains isolated and locked in competition, the outcomes will be limited. There needs to be a division of roles and cooperation: flagship national universities can focus on cutting-edge disciplines and global research, metropolitan universities on advanced research capabilities and international networks, and regional universities on nurturing field-oriented talent. When research infrastructure, faculty, and curricula are shared, companies will feel more secure investing, and regional innovation will be promoted.

Of course, there are many challenges to address. Universities must be connected to regionally specialized industries, and internships, employment incentives, and support for housing and taxes must be provided to encourage young people to stay. To prevent the concentration of resources in specific universities, it may be necessary to mandate consortia, joint research centers, and exchange programs. Evaluation methods must also change, focusing not on the number of published papers or university rankings, but on metrics such as graduate retention rates, entrepreneurial achievements, and collaboration with local businesses.

Financial support is also key. With the current compartmentalized budgeting system, it is difficult to guarantee universities' strategic autonomy. The funding model should shift to block funding, allowing universities to allocate resources independently.

Furthermore, the enactment of the 'Higher Education Finance Grant Act' is needed to institutionalize stable and continuous investment. Compared to the average of OECD member countries, South Korea's investment in higher education is woefully inadequate, making this a national task that can no longer be delayed.

If the 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities' policy succeeds, it will simultaneously achieve the expansion of regional university infrastructure, the advancement of industrial complexes, an increase in the youth settlement rate, the attraction of more international students, and the smooth supply of talent for strategic industries. This will directly contribute to strengthening South Korea's national competitiveness.

Ultimately, this policy is not about growing a select few universities. It is about moving beyond the paradigm of independent survival to create a network of symbiosis and sharing, and a national growth strategy that simultaneously innovates industry and education. Only when companies, regions, and universities breathe and thrive together can the 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities' initiative succeed.

Lee Gijeong, President of Hanyang University