A Comparative Study on the Internationalization Policy of Local Government

(Purpose) Local governments are increasingly interested in internationalization. Recently, COVID-19 has limited the implementation of internationalization policies and projects, but it is still true that local governments are highly interested in internationalization. However, seldom research has been done on the internationalization policy being pursued by local governments. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to derive policy implications through comparative analysis of internationalization policies as local governments interest in internationalization expands. (Design) For comparative analysis of the internationalization policies of local governments, it was centered on the internationalization ordinance, the internationalization system, the internationalization policy, the formation of the internationalization culture, etc. The analysis targets were conducted on metropolitan and provincial governments, and the government utilized the autonomous legal information system and related literature to conduct research. (Findings) The analysis results are as follows: the Internationalization Ordinance was implemented by 11 local governments, and the International Cultural Exchange Ordinance was enacted by 8 local governments. The internationalization system was carried out by the establishment and operation of the internationalization department, advisory committee, honorary diplomat or international cooperation officer, and international exchange foundation or center. The internationalization policies included international development cooperation, joining and attracting international organizations, sharing overseas cities with excellent policies, and establishing basic plans for internationalization. In addition, the formation of international culture included sisterhood ties and friendly cooperation, support for private international exchange projects, and international cultural exchanges. (Research implications) The policy meaning requires the enactment of an ordinance to lay the institutional basis for the promotion of internationalization, and practical public diplomacy policies are needed for international exchange. In addition, local governments need to prepare requirements for international development cooperation and international organizations, establishment of basic plans for internationalization, and selection of friendly cities.