KISDI Study Proposes Four Strategies to Enhance Korea’s Influence in International Organizations in the Era of Technopolitics (detail)

※ URL(Korean): https://www.kisdi.re.kr/bbs/view.do?bbsSn=114950&key=m2101113055776&pageIndex=2&sc=&sw=

KISDI Basic Research (25-07): Cooperation with International Organizations Including the World Bank

▲ Recommends Korea’s roles based on the functions and membership characteristics of international organizations
▲ Suggests policy engagement strategies tailored to organizational structures
▲ Proposes a governance framework to strengthen financial contribution strategies
▲ Calls for a public-private cooperation network to enhance engagement with international organizations

The Korea Information Society Development Institute (KISDI, President Sangkyu Rhee) recently published a research report titled *Cooperation with International Organizations Including the World Bank* (KISDI Basic Research 25-07), which presents strategies to strengthen Korea’s influence and leadership in international organizations amid the growing importance of digital technologies in global competition.

The report argues that international organizations are becoming increasingly important arenas for shaping technology-related norms and standards as global competition intensifies in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), space communications, and semiconductors. To address this changing environment, the study analyzes the characteristics and functions of seven major international organizations—namely the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Based on this analysis, the report proposes tailored strategies to enhance Korea’s influence and leadership within these organizations.

First, the study suggests differentiated roles for Korea according to the functions and membership composition of international organizations. In organizations where Asia-Pacific and Global South countries account for a large share of membership, such as APEC, APT, and UNESCAP, Korea is encouraged to play the role of a “Pioneer” by identifying and leading future-oriented agendas. In organizations such as the OECD and ITU, where diverse stakeholders and member countries often have competing interests, Korea is advised to serve as a “Balancer” by facilitating coordination and consensus-building. In development-focused organizations such as the World Bank and UNDP, the study recommends that Korea take on the role of an “Advisor” by sharing policy knowledge, development experience, and successful practices with least developed and developing countries.

Second, the report presents engagement strategies based on the organizational structures and decision-making processes of international organizations. For organizations such as the ITU, UNDP, APEC, and OECD, the study recommends a “Policy Input Strategy,” under which Korea contributes substantive expertise during the early stages of policy formulation. For organizations such as the World Bank, the report proposes a “Policy Output Strategy,” focusing on providing expertise in evaluating policy and project outcomes, including effectiveness, accountability, and sustainability. For organizations such as APT and UNESCAP, the study recommends a “Knowledge Input and Sharing Strategy,” which emphasizes the exchange of professional knowledge and information through workshops, seminars, and forums.

Third, the report proposes the establishment of a tentative “Committee for International Organization Financial Strategy.” The proposed body would oversee and coordinate Korea’s financial contribution strategies across multiple international organizations and would be responsible for reviewing, planning, and evaluating organization-specific funding strategies.

Fourth, the study recommends establishing a “Public-Private Cooperation Network for Engagement with International Organizations.” The network would connect government ministries with private-sector experts and would be organized by international organization or policy agenda. Its purpose would be to develop strategic positioning and practical response strategies for Korea. The report notes that the network could support a range of activities, including election strategies for governance positions within international organizations, strategies for hosting international events, and approaches for building support or opposition around specific policy agendas.

JOONHO HWANG, Director at KISDI, stated that the study provides a useful foundation for developing comprehensive national strategies toward international organizations in the information and communications and digital sectors. He noted that the report may also serve as a practical reference for government officials, researchers, and private-sector experts involved in international engagement.

He further explained that the study’s methodological approach—classifying international organizations according to their institutional characteristics and examining similarities and differences among them—may also contribute to academic research on international governance and policy engagement.

The report is available for download from the KISDI website.

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KISDI Study Proposes Four Strategies to Enhance Korea’s Influence in International Organizations in the Era of Technopolitics