Utilizing Topic Modelling and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) for Setting Policy Priorities to Strengthen Official Development Assistance at Local Government Level

Abstract

In Korea, aid projects to developing countries at central government level are increasing in number significantly every year, yet at local government level their scale is extremely small. Recognizing this problem, this study aims to set policy priorities to strengthen official development assistance (ODA) at local government level in Korea. Accordingly, we analysed the important issues relating to ODA projects at local government level by performing topic modelling analysis method. On the basis of these analysis results, policy priorities were derived using the AHP method. The analysis suggests that in Korea, in order to revitalize ODA projects at local government level, a dedicated department that can professionally handle these projects must be established within each local authority. Furthermore, it is important to recruit and deploy professional administrators who can utilize these dedicated departments to discover new ODA projects.