Need for Analysis of Recruitment Briefings' Effectiveness and Evaluation of Institutional Performance
Lee Jaetae, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Democratic Party of Korea, Naju 3), pointed out that despite quantitative achievements, the local talent recruitment system for the Gwangju-Jeonnam Joint Innovation City has not led to a substantial increase in youth employment.
On October 29, Assemblyman Lee attended the "Policy Forum on Measures to Activate Local Talent Recruitment in Innovation Cities," held at the main auditorium of Korea Expressway Corporation in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province. He stated, "Since the implementation of the system, the cumulative number of local talents recruited in the Gwangju-Jeonnam Joint Innovation City has reached 3,197 over the past ten years, and since 2022, the statutory mandatory recruitment rate of 30% has been consistently achieved."
This forum was attended by Yongjin Cho, a member of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly, as well as representatives from public institutions relocated to innovation cities, local government officials, and academic experts.
Jaetae Lee, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly, attended the "Policy Forum on Measures to Revitalize the Hiring of Local Talent in Innovation Cities" and urged improvements to the local talent hiring system in the Gwangju-Jeonnam Joint Innovation City. Provided by Jeonnam Provincial Assembly
Assemblyman Lee noted, "Despite the increase in the recruitment rate, there have been cases where the actual number of recruits has decreased." He explained, "In 2022, 228 people (35.1%) were recruited, but in 2023, although the rate reached a record high of 39.5%, the number of recruits dropped to 141."
He added, "Even though the innovation city has the highest concentration of public institutions nationwide, the effect of expanding employment opportunities for local youth is insufficient. Managing by percentage alone does not guarantee sufficient real job opportunities for young people."
He further emphasized, "Although joint recruitment briefings are held annually, there is a lack of analysis on the employment conversion rate and post-employment management. A systematic follow-up management system should be established, including tracking employment outcomes by participant and evaluating performance by institution."
In particular, he mentioned the need to redefine the role of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Joint Innovation City Local Talent Recruitment Council, stating, "The council should not remain focused solely on events. Instead, public institutions, local governments, and universities should work together to review recruitment status and discuss tailored talent development measures, evolving into a practical consultative structure."
Assemblyman Lee concluded, "When the local talent recruitment system leads to improvements in young people's lives and regional growth, innovation cities can finally lay the foundation for sustainable development. The Jeonnam Provincial Assembly will actively work to create conditions that allow young people to work and settle in the region."
Meanwhile, the local talent recruitment system requires public institutions and others to hire graduates (or prospective graduates) from local universities or high schools in the relocated area according to the statutory ratio, taking into account each institution's recruitment scale and the number of local students.
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