▪ Local universities face intensifying challenges from declining school-age population and youth exodus, leading to enrollment shortfalls and university closures.
▪ This report analyzes government policies addressing local university challenges and suggests future policy directions.
▪ Local University Development initiatives began in 2003, gaining statutory status through the "Act on the Development of Local Universities and Colleges and Regional Human Resources" (hereinafter referred to as the “Local University Development Act”) in 2014.
▪ As of June 2024, the “2nd Basic Plan for Supporting Local Universities and Colleges and Regional Human Resources Development (2021–2025)” is currently active.
▪ Central agencies and local governments implement annual plans across three areas: university innovation, regional innovation, and collaboration.
▪ Local universities receive 10.6 trillion won (62.3%) of the total 17.0 trillion won higher education support (2022).
▪ This study evaluates local university development policies through education, research, and industry-academia indicators.
▪ (Education) While graduate employment has improved, enrollment rates have declined and dropouts increased.
▪ (Research) Since 2014, SCI-ranked publications per faculty increased while KCI-ranked decreased.
▪ (Industry-academia) Local universities' technology transfer income is rising but with widening regional gaps; transfer volume declined slightly in 2023 compared to the previous year.
▪ Analysis shows improved graduate employment rates and technology transfer income for local universities, but widening gaps with capital region institutions. Challenges persist in enrollment, retention, and research output despite policy interventions.
▪ Given ongoing challenges from declining enrollment and youth exodus, the government aims to establish university-regional collaboration system to build local talent ecosystems for education, employment, startups, and settlement.
▪ While RIS has established university-local government collaboration and the number of students participating in the program has increased, it shows mixed results in employment targets and satisfaction rates.
▪ Starting 2025, RIS will transition to RISE (Regional Innovation System & Education), delegating university support planning, budgeting, and performance management to local governments.
▪ Implementation of RISE requires careful analysis of RIS effectiveness and feasibility.