National Economic Advisory Council and KDI Seek Alternatives for 'Growth, Jobs, and Welfare'... October Conference

Discussion on 'Inclusive and Growth-Friendly Welfare Policies'
Solving the Complex Equation of Growth, Distribution, and Employment

The lively atmosphere of Myeongdong, Seoul, lost on the 1st. / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The National Economic Advisory Council and the Korea Development Institute (KDI) are seeking alternatives to realize a virtuous cycle economy among growth, jobs, and welfare.

On the 29th, the two organizations announced that they will hold the 2021 National Economic Advisory Council International Conference at 9 a.m. on the 7th of next month at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. It will be broadcast live through the KDI website.

The theme is "A Virtuous Cycle Economy of Growth, Jobs, and Welfare." Amid already severe low growth and polarization, the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has compounded employment instability and increased fiscal burdens. The two organizations diagnosed that there is a need to prepare "inclusive yet growth-friendly welfare policies" to solve these challenges. Domestic and international scholars and experts will engage in in-depth discussions on establishing a welfare state model where "robust growth, quality jobs, and sustainable welfare" form a virtuous cycle.

In a special session, Professor Dani Rodrik of Harvard University in the United States will deliver a speech on the topic "Economic Policies Beyond the Welfare State." Vice Chairman Lee Geun of the Advisory Council will moderate, with Professors Lee Young of Hanyang University and Oh Junbyung of Inha University participating as designated discussants. Following this, an interactive discussion in the form of a dialogue based on pre-submitted and on-site questions will proceed under the direction of Vice Chairman Lee.

In the keynote session, Professor Lane Kenworthy of the University of California, San Diego, will present on "Social Democratic Capitalism and a Good Society," and Professor Kenneth Nelson of Stockholm University in Sweden will speak on "Intergenerational Welfare Contracts and Circular Prosperity." Professor Sung Hyoyong of Sungshin Women's University will moderate, with Professors Joo Byungki of Seoul National University and Kim Hyunah, Director of Fiscal Policy Research at the Korea Institute of Public Finance, participating as designated discussants.

In the policy session, Professor Yang Jaejin of Yonsei University will present on "A Virtuous Cycle Model of Welfare and Economy: Focusing on Successful Cases in Europe," Professor Shin Kwangyoung of Chung-Ang University on "Insecure Welfare and Social Instability: Cases of Japan and the United States," and Senior Research Fellow Ko Youngsun of KDI on "Current Status of Income Distribution and Suggestions for Inclusive Growth." Director Ahn Sanghoon of the KDI International Development Cooperation Center will moderate, with Professors Ryu Deokhyun of Chung-Ang University, Lee Juhee of Ewha Womans University, Senior Research Fellow Kim Taewan of the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, and Research Fellow Lee Youngwook of KDI participating in the panel discussion.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.