The Korea Local Administration Review

The main purpose of this study is to propose a concrete plan for theformation of structure and function of Regional Economic DevelopmentCommittee, which shall be the critical part of revision for the Special Act onBalanced National Development within the coming few months. For this purpose,foreign cases and relevant theories are widely reviewed. Based on this review,this study defines the concept of regional economic zone and regionalgovernance, and examines the necessity of building a regional governance forthe revitalization of regional economic zone. Through the comparative review offoreign cases, this study reaches a conclusion that the most feasible anddesirable plan for our condition is to form a Function-Transfer TypeMetro-Cooperation Organization, which will take complete charge of planning,coordinating, and executing the regional economic plan. The detail structure ofthis organization is then proposed in four respects, purpose, function,sub-organizations, and financial resources. In conclusion, this study highlightsthe active role of local governments to create their own development programsbased on their competence and visions rather than complying to central policyfor the success of regional economic zone and regional governance.