The Jeonbuk Research Institute has prepared the 'Jeonbuk Research Institute Innovation Plan' to completely innovate its research base and policy implementation system starting in 2026, further strengthening its role as a core think tank for the provincial government.

This innovation plan focuses on three main strategies: ▲ innovation of research base and research capabilities ▲ creation of a regional innovation ecosystem and expansion of provincial government research ▲ operation of the research institute in collaboration with residents, cities, and the provincial assembly, aiming to significantly increase the relevance, timeliness, and policy responsiveness of research.

First, to reorganize into a research-centered organization, the institute plans to restructure its organization based on functions and operate with a slim organization structure through minimizing teams and centers to enhance research immersion. Additionally, by introducing a performance-based evaluation system, the institute will strengthen the criteria for performance-based payment, creating a research environment where performance and rewards are linked.

Furthermore, they plan to establish a 'Jeonbuk-style Policy Database' to systematically support core provincial areas such as youth, population, and economy, which will be utilized throughout the entire process of policy planning, execution, and evaluation.

Secondly, to enhance AI and field-oriented research capabilities, they will establish an excellent research project reward system to support the growth of young researchers and regularize AI data literacy education to adapt to the AI data-based policy environment. They will also operate a field research task force to directly identify local issues, link them to national budgets and provincial government tasks, enhancing the practicality of research.

Thirdly, to establish a policy research system that increases the provincial government's reflection rate, they will significantly expand the number of policy and current issues from the existing 48 to 70, and establish a quarterly policy consultation with provincial offices to build a proactive policy response system. They plan to introduce mandatory mid-term result consultations in the research process and establish a performance management system that manages outcomes for three years after research completion to increase the effectiveness of policy implementation.

Fourthly, to become an open research institute in collaboration with residents, cities, and the assembly, they will enhance the provincial policy proposal platform, regularize policy brief publications, and operate policy round forums to constantly involve residents. They will also strengthen city policy consultation meetings and performance sharing sessions to enhance city support, and expand policy consultations and joint research with the assembly to strengthen legislative and policy coordination functions.

Jeonbuk Research Institute Director Choi Baek-ryul stated, "This innovation plan is a fundamental change to transform the role of the institute from a mere research performing organization to an operational policy think tank that connects the provincial government and the field," and expressed, "We will continue to build a responsible research system to ensure that research outcomes are translated into actual policies, budgets, and institutions."