Gwangju Seo-gu, Innovation Policy Development Research Group... 13 Outstanding Projects Selected

Published 04 Oct.2023 13:53(KST)

Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, has formed and operated 10 teams for the ‘Public Officials Innovation Policy Development Research Group’ over six months since March, selecting 13 outstanding projects to be reflected in district administration.

According to Seo-gu on the 4th, this research group, which included public officials from various ranks ranging from grade 5 to grade 9, chose one topic from six fields (organizational culture improvement, culture, economy, environment, resident autonomy, welfare) per team and conducted in-depth research and policy development through idea meetings and external expert consultations over six months.

Innovation Policy Development Research Group Results Presentation. <br>Photo by Seogu

Innovation Policy Development Research Group Results Presentation.
Photo by Seogu

The grand prize was awarded to the Innovation Avengers team for their project titled ‘Bulpyunbudang (不偏不黨) - Improving Inconvenient Work Methods, Innovating Unfair Organizational Culture.’

This team proposed nine detailed tasks to enhance organizational capabilities and create a rational and efficient work environment by fostering a flexible organizational culture in line with changing times.

To improve ‘inconvenient work methods,’ they suggested ▲establishing a guide education system for new employees ▲implementing job adaptation training for returning employees ▲operating joint education for minority job series in autonomous districts ▲creating a dedicated team for managing and operating work systems ▲launching a Seo-gu Knowledge IN channel related to work.

To improve ‘unfair organizational culture,’ they proposed ▲establishing reasonable incentive and evaluation criteria ▲creating a workplace culture where employees work enthusiastically ▲changing office coordination methods to improve work-pushing behaviors ▲establishing a mutually trusting organizational culture.

Outstanding projects included the Samsi Learning team’s ‘Popular Carbon Neutrality Realization Plan Tailored to Residents’ Perspectives’ and the Dayuki (Together Childcare Kids Cafe Irum) team’s ‘Establishment of a Public Kids Cafe (Indoor Playground) in Seo-gu, Gwangju.’

Other proposed projects included ▲Book curation operated by librarians and citizens - Citizen’s Library ▲Health Sseuk! Cleanliness Sseuk! Economy Sseuk! Our Neighborhood Sseuk Sseuk Sseuk Plogging ▲Alley merchants planning alley festivals - Our Neighborhood Market Day ▲Startup Zero to 100 - Establishment of Startup Administrative Control Tower ▲Transformation of Sangmu Citizen Park Solar Park - Operation of Jaechi (Zero Waste Chipyeong) Store & Book Cafe ▲Creation of urban forests and zero-energy parks in parks for carbon absorption ▲Village BI Festival hosting & specialized program operation.

Seo-gu decided to adopt 13 out of the 25 proposed policy ideas and reflect them in new initiatives after review by related departments.

In particular, the ‘Establishment of a Guide Education System for New Employees’ project is scheduled to be implemented starting next year, and as part of ‘carbon neutrality practice,’ the ‘Vegetarian Day’ held every Thursday at the district office cafeteria has been changed to ‘Low Carbon Meal Day.’

Additionally, the proposal for ‘Establishment and Operation of a Public Kids Cafe’ will be introduced and promoted as a mid- to long-term project.

Kim Ikang, head of Seo-gu Office, said, “Despite busy urgent tasks, the passion of employees who gathered their strength and wisdom to develop innovative ideas will become a new driving force for Seo-gu’s change,” and added, “We will continue to keep communication channels wide open so that all members can voluntarily and actively participate in improving organizational culture and developing district policies.”