國土의 均衡的 發展을 위한 地域情報化 事業現況과 改善政策

Abstract

Ever since computer technology was integrated with telecommunications technology, the world has moved faster than expected into the information age. so-called "information revolution" has changed Korea's industrial structure, job market and regional development to the extent that has had a serious impact on global economics. Given this effect, the process of 'informatization' becomes an important issue when analyzing or planning local economic development strategies. From national perspective, an economy based on the well-balanced regions is desirable. However, Korea’s growth-oriented national economy policy, launched in the 1960’s, created and exacerbated regional inequalities. This situation has continued until the present. Central government agencies, recognizing this ongoing problem, believed that proper utilization of available information technologies could reduce regional disparities. Accordingly, they began Korea's first regional information utilization program at the end of the1980's. lt was initiated and originally maintained by the central government, but experienced many difficulties and failures. These setbacks were attributed primarily to the government's poor understanding of local economic conditions and their capacity to utilize information systems. To address these problems, elected local agencies have independently begun to apply information technologies to the field of public management, and even local mayors have called 'informatization preacher' in efforts to build new public information management systems, improve regional competitiveness, and attract telecommunications companies to their areas. Most local governments still do not have adequate resource to develop regional information plans without outside assistance. If special programs to assist them are not implemented, regional economic disparities may worsen rather than decrease. To present this, local government should increase their financial resources and personnel to develop comprehensive information utilization programs. Moreover, the central government, augmenting local efforts, should increase subsidies, organize special task forces, and provide incentives to local industry to participate in regional information programs. It is clear that carefully envisaged and well-implemented information utilization programs will greatly affect the future viability of local economies. To reduce regional economic disparities and promote sustained economic growth, regional plans must competently analyze the local economy, then articulate the specific roles of the central government, local government, and business, using the extensive information technologies currently available.