The Korea Economic Federation launched the New K-Industry platform on the morning of the 9th at FKI Tower Conference Center, introducing a public-private collaboration framework designed to shape South Korea's future industrial strategy. The initiative responds to structural stagnation in traditional industries, evidenced by flat manufacturing production indices (excluding semiconductors) and a service export annual growth rate of 4.71%, trailing the US (5.53%) and China (7.93%). The platform centers on four strategic pillars: AI Transformation (AX), Green Transformation (GX), Service Innovation (SX), and Infrastructure Innovation (IX), aiming to address declining competitiveness in sectors that historically drove economic growth.
Korea Economic Federation Unveils Four Strategic Pillars for Industrial Renewal
The New K-Industry Forum presented four transformation axes at its inaugural session. AI Transformation (AX) focuses on integrating artificial intelligence across industrial sectors, while Green Transformation (GX) addresses energy infrastructure requirements for the AI era. Service Innovation (SX) targets the expansion of South Korea's service export capabilities, and Infrastructure Innovation (IX) aims to modernize foundational systems supporting industrial operations. The Korea Economic Federation attributed the strategic shift to persistent stagnation in traditional manufacturing sectors and underperformance in service exports compared to major economies.
Ryu Jin and Moon Seung-wook Co-Chair New K-Industry Forum
The New K-Industry Forum operates as an advisory body tasked with setting mid-to-long-term policy directions and reviewing core policy initiatives. Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Korea Economic Federation, and Moon Seung-wook, former Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, serve as co-chairs. The forum structure positions it as the primary mechanism for coordinating private sector input on the government's industrial transformation agenda.
Chairman Ryu Jin Urges Swift Execution of Government's Three Mega-Projects
Ryu Jin called for accelerated implementation of the government's recently announced Three Mega-Projects, emphasizing the need for bold investment in semiconductors, AI data centers, and Physical AI. "What matters now is execution speed and the completeness of government support," Ryu stated during the forum launch. He committed the Korea Economic Federation to close collaboration with the government to consolidate corporate capabilities and propose a mid-to-long-term roadmap for New K-Industry.
Korea Institute President Endorses Four-Pillar Framework
Kwon Nam-hoon, President of the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, affirmed the appropriateness of the four-axis framework during the forum. "Setting AX, GX, SX, and IX as the four pillars of Korean industrial innovation is highly appropriate," Kwon remarked. He highlighted the GX pillar as particularly critical, noting it should be discussed from the perspective of establishing an energy supply system that underpins industrial competitiveness in the AI era.
FAQ
What did the Korea Economic Federation announce on the 9th?
The Korea Economic Federation launched the New K-Industry platform on the morning of the 9th at FKI Tower Conference Center, unveiling a public-private collaboration framework centered on four strategic pillars: AI Transformation (AX), Green Transformation (GX), Service Innovation (SX), and Infrastructure Innovation (IX).
Why did the Korea Economic Federation create the New K-Industry platform?
The platform addresses structural stagnation in traditional industries, including flat manufacturing production indices (excluding semiconductors) and a service export annual growth rate of 4.71%, which lags behind the US (5.53%) and China (7.93%).
