Metropolitan Research Institutes to Launch Collaborative 'Network' Initiative

As heads of metropolitan autonomous entities in the Seoul Capital Area—including Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon—have signed agreements to jointly address major regional issues, their affiliated research institutions are also expected to establish mutual networks to conduct joint research on Seoul Capital Area issues.

Governor Kim Moon-soo of Gyeonggi Province attended a regular board meeting held on the 21st at the Gyeonggi Development Institute in Pajang-dong, Suwon City, stating, "It is necessary to conclude joint research agreements so that systematic collaborative research can be conducted with the Seoul Institute of Technology and Policy and the Incheon Development Institute," and instructing officials to "proceed intentionally and systematically."

He further emphasized, "If there is a path to the development of Gyeonggi Province and the Republic of Korea, we must make efforts even by borrowing brilliant minds from the world's leading countries," and urged, "Please network all other capabilities and move forward."

Governor Kim's remarks came following the signing of the "Seoul Capital Area Joint Agreement on Air, Transportation, and Water Quality" by the heads of three metropolitan entities on the 8th, in which they pledged to jointly address Seoul Capital Area issues. If inter-institutional collaborative research is strengthened, it is expected to produce research results of superior quality and outcomes.

The Gyeonggi Development Institute has already conducted joint research with the Seoul Institute of Technology and Policy and other institutions to address issues in this year's basic urban plans and held forums accordingly. Next year, it plans to select one to two additional projects for joint research.

An official from the Gyeonggi Development Institute stated, "We will strengthen cooperation with research institutes affiliated to metropolitan autonomous entities in the Seoul Capital Area to enhance our research capabilities," and added, "Currently, heads of the Seoul Capital Area policy divisions at each research institute regularly meet to discuss issues."