Dear KDIS Alumni and Graduating Students,


KDI School of Public Policy and Management is pleased to invite you to participate in the 2026 KDIS Policy Innovation Case Competition.

From the KDIS-ADB Manila Conference to a Lasting Professional Network
This competition is a follow-up initiative to the KDI School-ADB Joint Conference for Global Alumni, held on April 22–23, 2026, at the Asian Development Bank Headquarters in Manila, the Philippines.

Under the theme “From Food Security to Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Forests: Korea’s Development Pathways and Lessons for Asia and the Pacific,” the conference brought together experts and practitioners from ADB, the World Bank, governments, academia, the private sector, and the KDIS alumni community to exchange policy experiences and new ideas.

Building on those discussions, KDI School seeks to develop a lasting professional network through which alumni, graduating students, and sector experts can continue to exchange knowledge, learn from one another, and explore future collaboration. This competition is the first step in expanding that network.

Call for Submissions: Policy Innovation Cases in Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry

Competition Theme: Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry
We welcome policy and program cases covering areas such as:

- Food security and rural development

- Smart agriculture and agricultural technology

- Sustainable forest management

- Climate adaptation and resilience

- Green transition and natural resource management

- Institutional and governance innovation in agriculture and forestry

Watch, Learn, and Connect
Keynote presentations and session videos from the April conference are available on the newly launched Alumni Policy Network webpage. Participants are encouraged to revisit these sessions and draw inspiration from the experiences and insights shared by international experts. The webpage will also allow you to explore cases submitted by fellow KDIS community members and exchange comments and feedback.
Beyond the competition, it will serve as a platform for continued knowledge sharing among professionals and emerging talent across countries and institutions.

Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to KDIS alumni and graduating students who:
Currently work in agriculture, forestry, or a related field;
Are involved in food security, rural development, climate action, or green transition;
Have a strong interest in these areas and hope to pursue a related career; or
Wish to deepen their professional knowledge and connections in these fields.
You may participate individually or in a team of up to three members. Prior professional experience in the sector is not required; those preparing to enter the field are equally encouraged to apply.

What to Submit
1. Summary Report: Required
Submit a 2–5-page report in English, using A4 page format and covering the following:

1) Title: A concise and informative title

2) Executive Summary: The case’s main findings, outcomes, and policy implications

3) Policy Challenge: The public problem identified and addressed

4) Policy Intervention: The program or project implemented, including its process and outcomes

5) Limitations and Future Plans: Remaining challenges, possible improvements, and next steps

2. Visual Material: Choose One of following
1) Video: A presentation of up to five minutes, submitted as a YouTube link or video file;
2) Infographic: A one-page visual summary in PNG or PDF format

* Responsible Use of AI
All Summary Reports will be reviewed for the use of AI. AI tools may be used for supporting tasks such as translation and proofreading; however, excessive reliance on generative AI may result in point deductions. The core analysis and writing must be the participant’s own work.

Evaluation
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel comprising ADB specialists, external sector experts, and KDIS faculty. Cases will be assessed according to three criteria:
- Most Innovative: Does the case offer a distinctive or creative approach?
- Most Diffusable: Can the approach be adapted or applied in other countries, regions, or institutions?
- Most Institutionalizable: Can the initiative develop into a sustainable policy, program, or institution?
Every shortlisted case will receive expert feedback. Participants will therefore have an opportunity to strengthen their cases and gain insights from specialists, regardless of whether they receive an award.

Awards
- Most Innovative Case: 2 teams KRW 500,000 each
- Most Diffusable Case: 2 teams KRW 300,000 each
- Most Institutionalizable Case: 2 teams KRW 300,000 each
- Participation Award: All participants - Commemorative gift

Winning cases will be featured on the Alumni Policy Network webpage and promoted through KDIS newsletters and social media channels, including interviews with the winning teams.
Additional prizes may be available for KOICA alumni participants.

Key Dates
- Submissions Open: 31 August 2026
- Submission Deadline: 11 October 2026
- Expert Review and Results and Awards: 31 October 2026
* The Schedule is subject to change.

View details and submit a case (Click) : https://kdis-case.vercel.app/

Your Experience Can Strengthen the Network
For professionals already working in these fields, the competition offers an opportunity to share your achievements internationally and meet potential collaborators. For graduating students and those preparing to enter the sector, it provides a valuable chance to learn from real-world policy cases and connect with experienced practitioners.
If you work in this field or hope to do so in the future this network is for you.

We look forward to your participation and to seeing the ideas, experiences, and new connections that emerge from across the KDIS community.

Warm regards,
KDI School of Public Policy and Management