The think tank 'Growth and Integration,' leading the presidential campaign pledge efforts of former Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung, was launched on 16th. The primary focus is to foster industrial competitiveness through two major pillars: 'AI transformation in manufacturing' and 'innovation in energy supply chains,' while also subdividing policies across 34 sectors. It was noted that large-scale financing will be secured through government-led funds.
Yoo Jong-il, co-representative of Growth and Integration, said at the launch ceremony titled 'A Resplendent Republic of Korea, Growth and Integration' held at the National Assembly Library that they plan to focus on policy development capabilities to enhance productivity through AI-based technological innovation and energy transformation.
Growth and Integration proposed a '3-4-5 growth strategy' (3% growth rate, four major export powerhouses, and $50,000 per capita income) as a vision for governance. Yoo, a former president of the International Policy Graduate School at the Korea Development Institute (KDI), previously served as the president of Jubileo Bank, which was established during Lee's tenure as mayor of Seongnam to alleviate the liabilities of ordinary citizens.
Yoo noted, 'To recover growth momentum, we must innovate manufacturing,' adding, 'By integrating AI transformation across all industries to enhance productivity, we can create more opportunities during the growth process and achieve a virtuous cycle of distributing the benefits.' He also proposed the 'A2G Quantum Project,' aiming for partnerships between the government and private enterprises for technology development, talent nurturing, and investment in advanced science and technology.
In relation to real estate policy, which Lee identified as key to attracting the centrist voter base, he stated, 'We will ensure it aligns with market principles.' This comment referred to the real estate policy of the Moon Jae-in administration. Yoo expressed awareness of concerns that 'if a Democratic Party government takes power, the past nightmares may be reenacted,' noting that policies that confront the market, even if well-intended, are unlikely to succeed.
In this context, it was announced that they will supply housing by developing low-rise community centers and cultural centers into mixed-use complexes and will establish youth-only housing complexes on university campuses. Co-representative Heo Min stated, 'We are reviewing policies to address student housing using sites from over 100 universities in the Seoul metropolitan area and regional national universities.'
'Growth and Integration,' which has over 500 founding members, is a group composed mainly of scholars and former bureaucrats from various fields. Once the think tank outlines the presidential campaign platform for former representative Lee, the party's policy committee will conduct a final review and selection. Attendees at the launch ceremony included party leadership such as Kim Min-seok, Jeon Hyun-hee, Lee Un-joo, and Park Seong-jun, as well as policy director of the Lee Jae-myung camp, Rep. Yoon Hoo-seok, Reps. Jeong Seong-ho and Ahn Do-geol, and Lee Han-joo, head of the Democratic Research Institute.