All 244 local governments in Korea have been developed as the primary agent for local development with improved local autonomy. The 21st century is becoming an era of “Localization,” which emphasizes local development as distinguished from “Glocalization,” which contained the earlier concept of “Think globally, act locally.” The compound word “Localization” is formed from the words “Localization” and “Globalization.” In 2002, the local government declaration of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), held in Johannesburg, South Africa, announced the slogan “Local Action Moves the World.” This signifies a development of local society that equates to the development of the country, and is the barometer of a country’s global competitiveness. This session will seek the direction for local governments to develop their districts in the era of “Localization.” It is based on case studies of those agents, such as ‘local area’ which acted as the driving force for the growth of Korea, successful ‘local government’ which emphasized unique characteristics, and ‘local businesses’.
- New paradigm: The era of Localization
- Best practices of Localization

- Moderator
KANG, Jung-ho (Dean & Professor, Sustainability Education, aSSIST)

- Main Speaker
MIMURA, Shingo (Governor, Aomori Prefecture, Japan)

- Presenters
KANG, Shin-kyum (Professor, Chonnam National University)
SO, Jin-kwang (Vice-President, Gachon University)
LEE, Yoon-chul (Professor, Korea Aerospace University)

- Rapportuer
LEE, Chul-seung (Manager, Competitiveness HQ, Institute for Industrial Policy Studies)