Restructuring Implemented on February 3 Following External Assessment
Accelerating Policy Response with a Research Lab-Centered System
To respond to the rapidly changing policy environment, the Chungnam Research Institute is undertaking a comprehensive organizational restructuring. The institute will streamline its research functions and clarify responsibilities, while focusing on strengthening research capabilities in key provincial areas such as AI, disaster safety, and local autonomy and decentralization.
On February 3, the Chungnam Research Institute announced that it would implement an organizational restructuring. This restructuring aims to enhance research efficiency and strengthen the institute’s ability to respond to policy needs.
The restructuring was finalized based on an organizational diagnosis and consulting by external professional agencies, followed by staff briefings and feedback collection, prior consultations with Chungnam Province’s policy departments and the provincial council, and deliberation and resolution by the board of directors.
The core of the changes is the reorganization of the research structure. The previous dual system, centered on the main institute and various centers, has been integrated into a research lab-based system, and the budget has been unified.
Additionally, a team system has been introduced under each research lab to subdivide policy response and research responsibilities.
The functions of research planning and external communications have been separated into the Research Planning Office, while HR, finance, and administration functions have been assigned to the Management Support Office. By separating research planning from management, each can focus on its core role.
The research organization has also been reorganized to meet provincial needs and adapt to the changing times.
The AI and Innovation Growth Research Lab will strengthen AI and data research functions alongside studies in the economy, industry, culture, and tourism, supporting digital transformation and new industry policies.
The Local Autonomy and Decentralization Research Lab will be restructured to focus on autonomy strategies and agricultural innovation research, while the Disaster Safety Research Center will be operated to enhance disaster response capabilities.
The Future Space Research Lab will integrate research on cities, spatial infrastructure, and public design, overseeing metropolitan spatial strategies and studies to improve living environments.
The Climate and Environment Research Lab will integrate research on climate crisis response, energy, water, and environmental ecology policies. The Chungnam RISE Center, the Science and Technology Promotion Headquarters, and the Public Investment Management Center will maintain their existing functions but with clarified roles.
Directly under the president, the Daejeon-Chungnam Administrative Integration Research Group will be established to systematize research support for mid- to long-term integration discussions.
The Human Rights Management Center will be expanded and reorganized into the Human Rights Management Committee to strengthen organizational transparency and safety.
President Hee Kyung Jeon stated, "We have restructured the institute to allow it to focus on research," adding, "By increasing research productivity and policy connectivity in line with the province’s speed and direction, we will make a practical contribution to Chungnam’s future strategies and the resolution of current issues."
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