Yoon Seok-yeol: "In the 4th Industrial Revolution Era, Old Administration... Customized Education and Openness Are Important"

Presentation at the 4th Industrial Revolution Global Policy Conference

Won Hee-ryong, Head of Policy Headquarters of the People Power Party Central Election Committee, is reading aloud the digital transformation policy announcement of Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, at the '2021 4th Industrial Revolution Global Policy Conference' on the 16th. Photo by Cha Min-young

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, emphasized on the 16th regarding the digital transformation, "We aim to accelerate digital technological innovation as well as promote education, industry, and job revolution to support it," adding, "I will carry out administration that can support technological innovation."

Candidate Yoon made these remarks at the '2021 4th Industrial Revolution Global Policy Conference' held by the Presidential 4th Industrial Revolution Committee at the Four Seasons Hotel in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. The policy announcement was read by Won Hee-ryong, the head of policy at the People Power Party's Central Election Committee.

He stated, "The 4th Industrial Revolution is bringing about major technological changes worldwide, breaking down the division of knowledge and industrial sectors, leading to convergence," and added, "At the same time, during the transition to a platform economy, the issue of technological monopolies by some parties has prevented the establishment of an industrial system and distribution structure suitable for the platform economy. This is a global challenge and a significant domestic social challenge."

He continued, "Education to supply talent is necessary, and policies to integrate with existing industries are needed, but the problem is that public innovation is not keeping up," pointing out, "The problem lies in politics and administration steeped in outdated vested interests and customs."

Regarding education, he said, "It is a matter of how to prepare future generations and the majority of current citizens," adding, "We need the most flexible and desirable education system that can prepare for the future tailored to individuals, moving away from zero-sum logic. This must be supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and platforms."

He also emphasized the importance of data sharing. He explained, "The administration should focus on transparent data sharing and on the private sector, society, and citizens in the field," elaborating, "This means breaking down regulatory barriers and transferring data monopolies and data processing authority to the private sector, the field, and new changes."

In fostering jobs and industry, he stressed 'connection.' He said, "Jobs and industries must go beyond the current division where existing companies, research institutes, and the public sector allocate separately," adding, "It is necessary for the brains of specialized research institutions, value-added productivity in companies, self-development of future talents, and regulatory and administrative support from the public sector to converge in one place." Representative examples include company-centered universities, national research and development (R&D) centers, and global open innovation.

Candidate Yoon stated, "By reflecting the opinions of frontline experts, we will make it more innovative and open than anyone else," and added, "We will work with the 4th Industrial Revolution Committee and related parties who propose support for technological innovation in the job and industrial revolution, as well as with all domestic and international stakeholders who are concerned."

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