The Education Ministry has finalized the selection of six models for the 'Super-Regional Growth Engine Talent Development Project,' a key initiative of the regional growth talent development system (Anchor & RISE). The ministry also announced the results of the first-year evaluation conducted across 17 cities and provinces. Based on these results, a performance budget of 400 billion won will be distributed unequally among local governments.
However, the announcement has raised concerns regarding procedural legitimacy and independence, as the 'Central Anchor Committee,' the main deliberative body for the project, has not yet officially launched. Some in higher education have criticized the reliance on an interim committee for the evaluation process. In response, the Education Ministry clarified that the procedures followed were legal and in accordance with a temporary provision in the amended law, emphasizing the careful selection process to ensure representation and balance among committee members.
On September 8, the Education Ministry announced the results of the evaluation for the 'Super-Regional Growth Engine Talent Development Project.' Out of 19 collaborative models submitted nationwide, six were selected after a review process. The ministry plans to invest up to 150 billion won annually for each selected model over four years, totaling a maximum of 600 billion won, with the goal of training approximately 14,000 local talents by 2030.
The selected models include: ▲ Gyeongnam (lead) - Incheon - Gangwon (lead university: Gyeongnam National University): AI transformation in manufacturing and AI robotics (training 2,600 people over four years) ▲ Gyeongbuk (lead) - Daegu (lead university: National Kumi University): Advanced materials and components for semiconductors and AI manufacturing robots (training 3,000 people over four years) ▲ Sejong (lead) - Chungbuk (lead university: Korea University Sejong): Semiconductor field (training 2,800 people over four years) ▲ Jeonnam-Gwangju (lead university: National Mokpo University): Renewable energy field (training 1,500 people over four years) ▲ Jeonbuk (lead) - Gyeonggi (lead university: Woosuk University): Hydrogen and physical AI (training 2,000 people over four years) ▲ Chungnam (lead) - Gyeonggi - Daegu (lead university: Dankook University): AI-based advanced bio field (training 2,000 people over four years).
The ministry plans to finalize the budget distribution details later this month after a 10-day period for appeals.
The first-year evaluation results, which comprehensively assessed the performance and foundation building of the project in 2025 across 17 cities and provinces, were also released. Based on the evaluation, a grading system of four levels (S, A, B, C) was established, with the Education Ministry utilizing the 400 billion won performance budget to provide financial support ranging from a minimum of 80% (C grade) to a maximum of 120% (S grade) compared to the baseline for 2025.
In the grading, Gwangju, Busan, and Chungnam received 'S' grades, while 'A' grades were awarded to Gangwon, Gyeonggi, Gyeongnam, Daejeon, and Ulsan. Gyeongbuk, Daegu, Incheon, Jeonnam, and Jeju received 'B' grades, and Seoul, Sejong, Jeonbuk, and Chungbuk were classified as 'C' grade.
The Education Ministry shared comprehensive feedback from the evaluation, highlighting both exemplary and inadequate cases. Notable successes included the establishment of a field-centered administrative support system through 1:1:1 matching among local governments, centers, and universities, as well as the promotion of competition among universities through a public offering method. However, shortcomings included unclear evaluation criteria for selection, unilateral changes to budget distribution principles after evaluations, low execution rates, excessive budget carryovers, and a lack of coherence between university specialization and individual project operations.
Concerns have been raised regarding the independence and procedural integrity of the evaluation process, as the results were supposed to be confirmed by the official deliberation of the 'Central Anchor Committee.' However, due to delays in forming the committee, the evaluation was conducted by an interim body.
A former member of the Central RISE Committee stated in a conversation with Aju Economy that, “The terms of the previous committee's chair and members expired on July 10, but a new committee has not been formed.” They criticized the reliance on the 'Local University and Regional Balanced Talent Development Support Committee,' led by the Education Minister and including deputy ministers from various government departments, as a bureaucratic workaround.
In response, the Education Ministry defended the process as a legitimate procedure under legal provisions. Choi Woo-sung, head of the Regional University Support Division, stated, “The claim that the committee was neglected is not true. The delay was due to a careful review of recommendations for committee members from across the country to ensure balance and representation.”
Choi added that the Local University Support Committee is a permanent body based on existing legislation, and the evaluation was conducted under a specific transitional provision allowing for interim operations for six months until the new committee is formed. He assured that the independent Central Anchor Committee would be established without further delays.
Meanwhile, differing perspectives have emerged regarding the administrative support confusion experienced by local governments and universities at the project's outset. Another local anchor representative noted, “There were significant confusions among local officials compared to other departments, as the Education Ministry's administrative manuals and guidelines were not clear.”
In response, the Education Ministry rejected vague criticisms lacking specific evidence. Choi stated, “We find it difficult to agree with unilateral claims of 'haphazard operations' without any concrete examples or circumstances, and it is challenging to respond to such assertions.” He emphasized the ministry's commitment to enhancing communication with the field to systematically establish the project as it moves forward.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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