From Electric Vehicles to Gas Inspection Systems... '2021 Mirae Hanguk Idea Contest' Held

Ministry of Economy and Finance "Economic Structure Transformation, Call for Future-Leading Ideas"

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on the 16th that it will hold the '2021 Future Korea Idea Contest' from the 17th until December. This is to find future policy ideas suitable for the rapidly changing economic structure, such as low-carbon and digital industry restructuring.

After receiving the first round of applications until the 31st of next month, evaluations will be conducted from November 1 to 4, and those who pass will be provided with expert consulting. Then, after the second round of evaluations from December 1 to 5, the final awards ceremony will be held on the 17th of the same month. Any citizen aged 19 or older can apply individually or as a team in either the thesis or UCC category. Teams can have up to three members. The contest seeks creative and highly practical policy ideas that can be utilized for future policies.

Applicants can select topics from three fields: economy and industry, society and welfare, and technology and energy. Ideas related to agendas such as ▲startup activation plans ▲promotion of manufacturing and service industry convergence ▲restructuring income, care, and medical systems in the era of low birthrate and aging ▲promotion of digital and green transitions and enhancement of resident acceptance are encouraged. Among the seven thesis category awardees last year were works including ▲establishment of a gas monitoring system for welfare blind spots ▲research on obstacles to electric vehicle adoption and solutions. Among the five UCC category awardees were works including smart safety networks for disaster medical care for the visually and hearing impaired.

A Ministry of Economy and Finance official said, "We plan to award seven theses and five UCC works with institutional awards such as the Deputy Prime Minister for Economy Award and a certain prize money."