* SUMMARY

Transforming Local Government through New Practices

- Korea''s Experiences and Challenges -

This study examines major features of the recent local government innovations in Korea with the purpose of better understanding the factors of innovation. Circumstances such as major obstacles faced in pursuing innovation, champions of innovation, strategies taken, and other aspects in adopting and implementing the innovations are examined. Cases that were recognized as best practices of local government in 2005 and 2006 are utilized.

The local government innovations in Korea exhibited some limitations as well. Citizen participation, empowerment and such are rarely observed. Local government innovations are largely driven by central government agencies. The improvements from the new initiatives are not perceived by the citizens as much as they are reported.

Based on the findings from the Korean cases, some lessons and policy implications are drawn for local government innovation in Asian countries