We are delighted to announce that Minsup Kim is joining the Institute for Policy Research (IPR) as a new Visiting Fellow.

Minsup is Deputy Director of the Public Procurement Service (PPS) of the Republic of Korea. He has more than 15 years’ experience in government procurement, policy planning, performance evaluation and innovation management across central government agencies. His Visiting Fellowship will run until February 2028. During his time at the IPR, he will explore how the strategic functions of central procurement agencies can be strengthened in an increasingly complex and technology-driven environment.

In Korea, there is a growing need to move from a predominantly procedure-focused procurement model towards a more strategic, policy-linked approach. Minsup’s research will explore global trends in strategic procurement and compare systems in Korea and the UK. In particular, he will examine the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), which has developed advanced approaches for AI procurement, innovative contracting and supplier performance evaluation. By identifying opportunities for learning and adaptation, he aims to provide practical recommendations to support Korea’s procurement reforms and improve its procurement frameworks.

On the appointment, Ashley Lait, Head of Policy Programmes and Communications at the IPR, said: “Minsup Kim’s fellowship with the IPR offers a great opportunity for Bath academics researching procurement strategy and reforms to learn from his experiences at the Korean Public Procurement Service and to offer insights that can guide his work and eventual recommendations."

To arrange a meeting with Minsup, or to find out more about the IPR Visiting Fellows programme, please contact Claudia Torres-Cervantes, IPR Co-ordinator: ctc46@bath.ac.uk