Strategic Advocacy for U.S.-Korea Sea Grant Collaboration Continuity

Project Type: Strategy & Advisory / Partnership Development & Management

Client Overview: Government–Academic Partnership / Public Sector / International

Problem

As co-chair of the long-standing NOAA–Korea Sea Grant partnership, I learned that the Korea Sea Grant program was at risk of defunding, which would have effectively ended more than two decades of bilateral cooperation in coastal and marine science. The situation required swift action to help strengthen Korea Sea Grant’s case for continued government support while reinforcing NOAA’s commitment to sustaining this collaboration.

Action

To support our counterparts and safeguard the partnership, I gathered and shared U.S. Sea Grant economic impact reports, advised the Korea Sea Grant program on economic valuation and performance reporting methods, and drafted a formal letter of support for Korea Sea Grant on behalf of NOAA leadership, which was transmitted to their funding agency. I also co-developed and delivered a high-level stakeholder presentation with my Korean co-chair, highlighting the program’s accomplishments, measurable impacts, and future priorities.

Result

Korea Sea Grant received full funding for its next five-year phase, ensuring continuity of the joint program. Our bilateral panel’s next-year proposal was subsequently approved and funded, and the partnership was expanded to new areas of collaboration. The effort demonstrated the tangible impact of strategic advocacy and evidence-based storytelling in sustaining international science partnerships.