The government has positioned its '5-Region 3-Special' strategy and 'ANCHOR' projects as central to alleviating concentration in the capital region and creating innovative jobs. However, concerns about the effectiveness of these initiatives are rising. Despite claiming to promote local leadership, the actual implementation remains a top-down approach led by the central government, prompting calls for fundamental structural reforms to ensure the sustainability of these policies.
According to reports from the education and industry sectors on August 14, the existing Regional Innovation Support System (RISE) has been restructured into the Anchor Project, significantly undermining its original intent of ensuring local autonomy. The initiative began with the philosophy that local issues are best understood by local entities, but within just a year, decision-making power has reverted to central authorities.
A major structural flaw in the current Anchor Project is that the central government designs the initiatives while local governments are relegated to mere execution roles. The Ministry of Education is currently pursuing projects such as 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities,' '5-Region 3-Special Shared University Project,' and 'Ultra-Regional Growth Engine Project.' However, critics argue that the future industrial direction and priorities for local areas are being dictated by government project plans without sufficient discussion.
As a result, local governments have been reduced to mere implementing agencies rather than strategic planners, leading to a clear policy contradiction that hampers the long-term establishment of industrial ecosystems.
The absence of a comprehensive industrial strategy at the ultra-regional level is also seen as a significant risk. There is a lack of clarity regarding what the key 'kingpin' industries are for each region and how to integrate the industrial value chains of the existing 17 provinces and cities.
Critics warn that while the geographical scope has expanded, similar advanced industries are being pursued competitively across regions, increasing the likelihood of redundant investments. Without a coherent industrial strategy, talent development risks becoming directionless education.
Experts agree that for the 5-Region 3-Special Anchor Project to be the last opportunity for balanced growth in South Korea, a genuine transfer of authority is essential. A regional industry expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "The central government's leading approach cannot foster local creativity and accountability. The central government should transition from a controlling role to that of a facilitator, supporting finances and systems instead of micromanaging projects."
There are also calls for establishing an open collaborative system that can be expanded nationwide through cooperation between the capital region and local areas. A representative from a regional Anchor Center emphasized, "The Ministry of Education should not limit itself to expanding individual financial support projects but should empower local Anchor Centers with real authority and create an open collaborative system that includes participation from the capital region."
According to reports from the education and industry sectors on August 14, the existing Regional Innovation Support System (RISE) has been restructured into the Anchor Project, significantly undermining its original intent of ensuring local autonomy. The initiative began with the philosophy that local issues are best understood by local entities, but within just a year, decision-making power has reverted to central authorities.
A major structural flaw in the current Anchor Project is that the central government designs the initiatives while local governments are relegated to mere execution roles. The Ministry of Education is currently pursuing projects such as 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities,' '5-Region 3-Special Shared University Project,' and 'Ultra-Regional Growth Engine Project.' However, critics argue that the future industrial direction and priorities for local areas are being dictated by government project plans without sufficient discussion.
As a result, local governments have been reduced to mere implementing agencies rather than strategic planners, leading to a clear policy contradiction that hampers the long-term establishment of industrial ecosystems.
The absence of a comprehensive industrial strategy at the ultra-regional level is also seen as a significant risk. There is a lack of clarity regarding what the key 'kingpin' industries are for each region and how to integrate the industrial value chains of the existing 17 provinces and cities.
Critics warn that while the geographical scope has expanded, similar advanced industries are being pursued competitively across regions, increasing the likelihood of redundant investments. Without a coherent industrial strategy, talent development risks becoming directionless education.
Experts agree that for the 5-Region 3-Special Anchor Project to be the last opportunity for balanced growth in South Korea, a genuine transfer of authority is essential. A regional industry expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "The central government's leading approach cannot foster local creativity and accountability. The central government should transition from a controlling role to that of a facilitator, supporting finances and systems instead of micromanaging projects."
There are also calls for establishing an open collaborative system that can be expanded nationwide through cooperation between the capital region and local areas. A representative from a regional Anchor Center emphasized, "The Ministry of Education should not limit itself to expanding individual financial support projects but should empower local Anchor Centers with real authority and create an open collaborative system that includes participation from the capital region."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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