Global Top-Tier 10 National Universities Initiative and Gyeonggi Province's Response Strategy
Year2025
Author Choi Jun-kyu
Original
Abstract
This study proposes a Korean-style research-oriented university model to address challenges in higher education and foster world-class universities. It examines the evolving roles of universities, global research models, Korean university policies, and strategies for developing global top-tier universities and Gyeonggi Province’s response.
Universities have transformed into hubs of innovation, technology, and talent cultivation. Germany enhances research competitiveness through the Excellence Strategy and collaboration with MPS and Fraunhofer. The U.S. fosters interdisciplinary research via NSF-funded university research centers, while China advances select universities through the 211 Project, 985 Project, and Double First-Class Initiative. Japan promotes research excellence with the International Excellent Research University Initiative and Networked Graduate School Initiative.
In Korea, strengthening research capacity is crucial despite declining applicants. Expanding graduate student enrollment and reinforcing research competitiveness are key, yet concerns persist over increased institutional hierarchy and reduced autonomy. Yoon administration’s policies, including deregulation, metropolitan university expansion, and Glocal University 30, require careful implementation.
Korea must specialize universities into research-oriented, education-oriented, and vocational-oriented institutions. Global top-tier universities should drive national growth, industrial advancement, and regional balance with top faculty, long-term research funding, and autonomy. A targeted initiative for ten research-oriented universities prioritizes key national universities to enhance global competitiveness.
The phased plan includes investment in ten key national universities, expanding participation, and final selection of ten top-tier universities. Supporting policies involve a National Research Professorship System, university-government research collaboration, and governance reforms.
Gyeonggi Province can contribute by establishing a graduate-focused research university and integrating regional research resources. By implementing these strategies, Korea can develop global top-tier universities, strengthen international competitiveness, and enhance its higher education system.
Universities have transformed into hubs of innovation, technology, and talent cultivation. Germany enhances research competitiveness through the Excellence Strategy and collaboration with MPS and Fraunhofer. The U.S. fosters interdisciplinary research via NSF-funded university research centers, while China advances select universities through the 211 Project, 985 Project, and Double First-Class Initiative. Japan promotes research excellence with the International Excellent Research University Initiative and Networked Graduate School Initiative.
In Korea, strengthening research capacity is crucial despite declining applicants. Expanding graduate student enrollment and reinforcing research competitiveness are key, yet concerns persist over increased institutional hierarchy and reduced autonomy. Yoon administration’s policies, including deregulation, metropolitan university expansion, and Glocal University 30, require careful implementation.
Korea must specialize universities into research-oriented, education-oriented, and vocational-oriented institutions. Global top-tier universities should drive national growth, industrial advancement, and regional balance with top faculty, long-term research funding, and autonomy. A targeted initiative for ten research-oriented universities prioritizes key national universities to enhance global competitiveness.
The phased plan includes investment in ten key national universities, expanding participation, and final selection of ten top-tier universities. Supporting policies involve a National Research Professorship System, university-government research collaboration, and governance reforms.
Gyeonggi Province can contribute by establishing a graduate-focused research university and integrating regional research resources. By implementing these strategies, Korea can develop global top-tier universities, strengthen international competitiveness, and enhance its higher education system.
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