Basic Report

  
  
    
   As local autonomy reaches its full growth in Korea, there is renewed interests in inter-local government collaboration which emphasizes the harmony between democracy and efficiency. This study focused on inter-local government collaboration in that it may obtain variety and autonomy of local government as well as develop local government institutions.
   We review current operation situation and problems, empirical difference between provincial/metropolitan government and city government, and possibility of adopting alternative service delivery. For this, first of all, this study attempts to explain the significance and need of inter-local government with various theories. In addition, we analyze current management and problems of inter-local government collaboration and study foreign inter-governmental cases. Based on theory and practice of inter-local government collaboration, we tried to find alternative service delivery system for inter-local government.
   With theoretical framework and case study, we do empirical study on current and alternative inter-local government collaboration. As for the empirical study, we survey local government officials who take charge of inter-local collaboration in 245 local governments. 
   As a result of empirical study, we found that provincial/metropolitan government have more preference for inter-local government collaboration. Their motivation of inter-local government collaboration is cost saving, conflict resolution, and efficiency increase. For success of collaboration, it is important to clarify benefit and authority between local governments and have government leaders who have a strong will and attitude toward inter-local collaboration. In addition, obstacles of collaboration are reduction of power and benefit and lack of confidence between local governments. Meanwhile, provincial and metropolitan governments prefer to special district and city government to inter-local agreement among the alternative service delivery systems.
   Finally, we suggest some policy recommendations. Following recommendations would be important considerations to adopt and develop inter-local government policies: attitude change of government leaders and officials, collaboration project information between local governments, active knowledge sharing, financial support, legislative and institutional support, adoption of alternative service delivery, and negotiation and coordination in local governance.