Four-Year University Presidents: "RISE Project Needs Stable Funding and University Autonomy"

June 23, KCUE Survey
"Stable Funding Is Essential for Successful Implementation of RISE"
"Operational Guidelines Ensuring University Autonomy Also Needed"

Presidents of four-year universities across the country have stated that in order to successfully operate the Regional Innovation-led University Support System (RISE) project, "sufficient funding" and "differentiated strategies tailored to each university's characteristics" are essential.

On June 23, the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE) announced the results of a survey on the RISE project, conducted from April 30 to May 27 among presidents of its 191 member universities. Among the 147 universities that participated in the survey (response rate: 77.0%), the most frequently cited priority for the Ministry of Education to support the stable establishment and operation of RISE was "securing stable funding" (weighted total: 265 points).

When asked what local governments should prioritize, the highest proportion selected "establishing a stable financial support plan at the local government level" (291 points).

The KCUE stated, "The absence of sufficient funding and stable financial support plans undermines the effectiveness of the policy," and added, "The Ministry of Education and local governments should establish robust mid- to long-term financial support plans at the legal and institutional levels, and present consistent policy goals and operational standards so that universities can develop long-term plans in a predictable environment."

Following "securing funding," the second most cited priority was "establishing operational guidelines that guarantee university autonomy." The KCUE noted, "To maximize universities' creative and innovative achievements, their autonomy must be guaranteed," and added, "The Ministry of Education and local governments should provide clear guidelines so that universities can develop and implement their own innovative strategies based on their unique characteristics."

Additionally, the KCUE emphasized, "Even within the same region, a customized support system that takes into account the distinct characteristics of each university should be established, so that universities can leverage each other's strengths and create a foundation for synergy and cooperation with the local community."

Yang Obong, president of the KCUE, stated, "We will actively communicate with the government and related organizations to ensure that these survey results are reflected and institutional improvements are made."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.