Comprehensive Evaluation System for Science & Technology Related Ministries to be Developed

A comprehensive assessment system for science and technology related ministries, including the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) and the Minister of Information and Communication (MOIC), will be developed by early 2004.

In addition, the Ministry of Science & Technology (MOST) will take over overlapping science and technology related affairs among ministries.

“We will, by early next year, enact a law on a comprehensive evaluation system to assess the performance of science and technology related ministries, including the MOCIE and the MOIC, as well as the Ministry of Construction & Transportation, the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of National Defense.” Oh Myeong, the minister of Science and Technology, said during a press conference on Wednesday.

“The new system will help collectively organize the national science and technology related affairs. And the MOST will be in charge of planning and implementation of science and technology related policies,” Oh added.

“The MOST has become more independent from other ministries than before. But at the same time, the MOST lost much of its capability to look at the overall picture of state policies. In order for the MOST to manage all science and technology related affairs, its authority should either be enhanced or be transformed into a special committee.”

In this regard, the government decided to let the MOST take a leading role in promoting ten growth engine industries of South Korea. The government is also planning to disclose dramatic measures that will encourage the cultivation of science and technology personnel.

Ki-Jeong Ko koh@donga.com