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The National Assembly Futures Institute publishes reports that predict and analyze the changes in the future environment based on a comprehensive perspective, and derive mid- to long-term national development strategies in consideration of the preferences of the citizens
(21-24) A Study on Policies for a Better Future and People’s Preferences

Date : 2021-12-31 item : Research Report 21-24 P.I : Park Seong-won

(21-24) A Study on Policies for a Better Future and People’s Preferences

A study on policies for a better future and people’s preferences is a research project in which the National Assembly Futures Institute conducts with the participation of the public every year. In 2021, we forecasted various futures 15 years in the future and suggested direction that our society should move in. To this end, a survey of 100 experts, a survey of 3,000 people nationwide, and a public deliberation survey of 202 people were conducted.

As a result, it was confirmed that the people believe that our society should move from the era of economic growth to the era of maturity. This transition suggests that the era of low economic growth should not be viewed negatively or anxiously in contrast to the paradigm of growth at all costs or unlimited growth, but should be reconsidered as an opportunity to enter into an era of maturity in all fields.

In the age of maturity, there should be the emergence of a community that helps all individual citizens grow, an inclusive society that considers minorities and the weak first, a nation that is driven by autonomy and decentralization rather than state-led initiatives, and a society that promotes pluralistic values such as social and environmental values as a priority.

In the age of maturity, each individual is guaranteed a decent human life, and can design and promote their own future based on their autonomous capabilities. In the past, our society damaged the environment in the relentless pursuit of economic growth, but in the age of maturity, our society should prioritize pluralistic values such as social and environmental values over economic values, and establish a new direction for social development based on such pluralistic values. In the midst of structurally accumulated conflicts and confrontations, the voices of the socially weak and minorities who suffer from various social problems should be heard clearly in the public sphere, and the government and parliament should take an active role so that differences are respected.

Our society is facing enormous challenges such as climate crisis, progress of the 4th industrial revolution, widening socioeconomic inequality, low birthrate, aging population, and pandemics. It is necessary to engage in diligent efforts to identify and realize the future desired by the people without being unnerved by rapid and sudden changes.