초혁신경제의 서막: 한국 경제의 체질 개선과 미래 성장 동력의 퍼즐 > 뉴스

The recovery of the Korean economy is being driven by export performance, led by semiconductors and computers. Last May, exports recorded an explosive increase of more than 50% compared to the previous year, proving that demand in major markets such as China and the United States is reviving. These achievements are not simply a temporary boom in certain products, but also evidence that Korean companies have a technological advantage in the reorganization of the global supply chain. Although geopolitical risks emanating from the Middle East are pushing up energy import prices and putting upward pressure on domestic prices, the overall economic health has noticeably improved as a structure in which export growth exceeds imports has become established. Now is the time to implement sophisticated policies to ensure that the warmth of export recovery spreads evenly to the domestic market and people's livelihoods.

The ‘Super Innovative New Economy Project’ promoted by the government is a winning strategy for the long-term survival of the Korean economy. The economic authorities, led by Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol, are showing a strong commitment to early commercialization of key drivers of future industries such as next-generation power semiconductors, small modular reactors (SMRs), on-sensor AI, and humanoid robots. In particular, we promised all-round support to ensure that our companies do not fall behind in global competition by going beyond technology development and specifying field verification and commercialization roadmaps. This means moving away from the follower strategy of the past and moving toward a leader strategy that leads the market by preempting technological standards. In addition, it is expected that the development of these new industries will serve as a catalyst for balanced regional development in conjunction with the ‘Five Poles and Three Specials’ system beyond Seoul and throughout the provinces.

Technological innovation is taking shape in corporate workplaces and in the daily lives of citizens. The ‘2nd Seoul AI Robot Show’, scheduled to be held in October, will be an important test bed that shows how physical AI and robot technology can accompany our lives. Beyond simply being a space to display robots, it provides opportunities for promising robot startups to attract capital and settle in the market through one-on-one consultations between investors and companies. At the same time, as in the case of cooperation between 11th Street and the Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association, efforts to develop online sales channels for small and medium-sized businesses and women's businesses by utilizing digital platform operation know-how are also noticeable. This public-private partnership model will contribute to diversifying the industrial structure centered on large corporations and creating an ecosystem where innovative products can be supplied to the right people.

External economic cooperation is also being reorganized around advanced technology. As confirmed at the Korea-Italy Business Roundtable, the two countries are strengthening their technological alliance in key future fields such as AI, space, and energy. In particular, projects such as joint entry into the aerospace industry and power grid modernization will serve as a bridge for Korean companies to enter the European market. Additionally, attempts to secure an export base for high value-added products such as K-beauty through cooperation in the manufacturing sector suggest that the economic sphere is expanding from simple manufacturing to high-tech services and overall lifestyle. In this way, technological exchange and market expansion utilizing global networks will overcome the chronic resource shortage problem of the Korean economy and further solidify its position in the global value chain.