30th 2nd KDI National Future Strategy Conference
"Intense Competition in Environmental Sector, Need for Investment Inducement Measures"
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho. Photo by Dongjoo Yoon doso7@
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho emphasized, "To transform the structure of our economy and achieve a new leap forward, it is essential to enhance productivity through technological innovation and make proactive investments in future sectors."
On the 30th, Deputy Prime Minister Choo stated this in his congratulatory speech at the 2nd KDI National Future Strategy Conference held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, under the theme "Reform and New Leap." He said, "As the working-age population begins to decline in earnest, there are concerns that the economy's growth potential will deteriorate."
The future sectors emphasized by Deputy Prime Minister Choo on this day were the environment and green industries. He said, "In particular, competition among countries to secure market leadership is very fierce in areas such as the transition to a sustainable carbon-free energy system, process innovation for decarbonization of existing industries, and the creation of carbon-neutral new industries," adding, "We need your wisdom on ways to induce bold technological innovation and R&D investment to actively create related new industries."
He also explained the importance of education and labor reforms to enhance productivity. Deputy Prime Minister Choo said, "It is also important to nurture talent to support technological and industrial innovation," and added, "The education reform that the government is focusing on is part of efforts to expand this human capital." He further stated, "Just as education was the background for rapid growth during the industrialization era, innovation in our education system must support the cultivation of creative talents needed by the future Republic of Korea."
Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister Choo announced, "The government will completely overhaul university regulations to induce autonomous innovation in universities," and "We plan to foster talent in advanced industrial fields by establishing a customized educational environment based on artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technologies." He also emphasized the need to consider more efficient utilization of human resources.
Deputy Prime Minister Choo continued, "Changes in the labor market are necessary to flexibly adapt to digital transformation and to ensure equal access to new opportunities," and stated, "Along with efforts to spread flexible working arrangements and wage systems centered on jobs and performance, we will prepare labor legislation that encompasses various forms of employment."
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