Basic Report

This study is first aiming at analyzing the current status and the sustainability of ISOs (Interim Support Organizations) in Korea, which are designed as taking the role of policy promotion and administrative service models between ordinary citizens and metropolitan/local governments, and second, aiming at providing basic directions for an establishment of ISOs and operation to enhance their sustainability. The research was conducted on the operational aspects of ISOs in Korea, such as the legal basis (including ordinances), policy status, and organization characteristics for policy projects by region. The definitions of ISOs were reviewed by comparing domestic and international research performances, case studies of domestic and foreign ISOs especially in the field of some places where public-private governance or partnership is strongly needed, and interviews with experts related to existing ISOs in KOREA were conducted.
   Briefly, ISOs in KOREA have emerged as organizational alternatives and necessary elements combined with partnerships and networks as the provision of administrative, policy and social services has shifted from central government to local government, eventually to private sector. This led to the creation of an administrative environment for sustainable ISOs in Korea and the introduction of ISOs in various regions and localities was performed as social responsibility (publicity and public interest), independence and autonomy (democracy), and fiscal soundness (effectiveness).
   During the study of the current status of domestic and foreign policies on fostering ISOs, it was confirmed that the establishment and operation efforts of ISOs in Korea were focused mainly on policy projects such as community building and rebuilding, social and solidarity economy, urban and regional regeneration and revitalization. On the other hand, the authors reviewed the types of ISOs through the past studies in KOREA, moreover, elaborates the principles of such organiztions, and propose top-down maintenance of related systems and ordinances, including establishing standards for ISOs, redefining legal status of the organizations, establishing legal foundations for democratic operation of ISOs, and operating the institutions.
   In terms of administrative and financial support for ISOs by metropolitan/local governments, cooperative relationship has to be first established through the introduction of mutual support systems between the governments and relevant ISOs, and also has to be presented fiscal foundations for the financial independence of ISOs to guarantee their autonomy. ISOs need metropolitan/local governments to simplify the planning process of the budget and the approval procedures of their annual business plans, also need the governments to clarify the key strategic focus of ISOs and major support projects by operating entity.
   The Authors moreover present in terms of strengthening the capabilities of ISOs in KOREA the need to improve the measurement and evaluation of the organizations, to establish an open operating system to promote democratic capabilities of ISOs, to find an intermediate support system for metropolitan units, and to strengthen the capabilities of on-site support for the private sector in regions and localities.
   Finally, in terms of strengthening the cooperative network for ISOs, it should be organized by strengthening cooperation through the connection between the organizations, by strengthening the network between the administrative authorities and ISOs, and by establishing a trust-based network between the organizations and various external resources.