Ahn Cheol-soo Announces First Pledge... "Securing 5 Major Super-gap Technologies to Enter G5 Economic Power"

Commitment to Fostering 5 Major Global Leading Companies and Entering the G5 Economic Power Club

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Junyi Park] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party who declared his candidacy for the presidential election, presented the '5.5.5 Growth Pledge' as his first campaign promise. The plan aims to secure five major breakthrough scientific technologies such as displays and secondary batteries, and to transform South Korea into a 'science and technology-centered nation' through reforms including the abolition of regulations on new industries.

On the 4th, Ahn held a press conference at the National Assembly and stated, "The first campaign promise I will announce today is the 5.5.5 Growth Pledge," adding, "With a science and technology-centered national strategy, we will enter the G5 (top 5 major countries) economic powerhouse club."

The '5.5.5 Growth Pledge' he proposed refers to three goals: ▲ securing five major breakthrough scientific technologies ▲ fostering five global leading companies ▲ entering the G5 economic powerhouse club. Earlier, on the 1st, Ahn had presented 'a science and technology-centered nation' as his first vision during his candidacy announcement.

Ahn identified the five breakthrough scientific technology fields as ▲ displays ▲ secondary batteries ▲ next-generation nuclear power (SMR) ▲ hydrogen energy industry ▲ bio industry. To foster these, Ahn announced plans to reorganize government organizations to align with a science and technology-centered nation. Specifically, he proposed creating the position of 'Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology' to oversee related policies and departments, and establishing a National Future Strategy Committee directly under the president, with the president serving as the chairperson. Additionally, he plans to form a future strategy council led by the private sector centered around the Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology.

To establish a national science and technology system, Ahn also pledged to enact the 'National Future Strategy Industry Support Special Act' and abolish regulations on new industries unrelated to life and safety. His plan includes expanding the domestic R&D expenditure ratio to 5% of GDP per capita during his term and creating a 2 trillion won 'breakthrough fund.'

Ahn also announced a plan to nurture 500,000 core talents in the five breakthrough fields. To achieve this, he proposed establishing specialized high schools and specialized universities in related fields.

Emphasizing regulatory innovation, he declared reforms toward a 'negative regulation' system. To this end, he plans to enact a Regulatory Innovation Act to overhaul regulations across ministries and conduct discussions with the National Assembly.

Ahn stated, "I, Ahn Cheol-soo, will concentrate national capabilities on creating future growth engines and new jobs in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution," adding, "If South Korea becomes a science and technology-centered nation and the 5.5.5 strategy is realized, fundamental changes in Korean politics will be inevitable."

In a session with reporters, he emphasized the importance of science and technology, saying, "Until now, the importance of science and technology has been underestimated by presidents," and added, "That can no longer be the case. Leaders like U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who possess strong science and technology, are dominating the world."

When asked about his plans beyond his presidential term given the limited term length, he explained, "I believe the realistic period to reach G5 is 10 years," and said, "All political forces, government officials, and stakeholders from both ruling and opposition parties must come together to reach a social grand compromise on a 10-year plan."

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