참여정부의 비전과 정책과제

Abstract

In this article, the author rebuts seven major criticisms raised against the economic policies of the Roh Moo-hyun administration(also known as the "Participatory Government"), and argue that they are unsubstantiated and lack of logical support, and explain six reform agenda of the Participatory Government. Japanese-style chronic economic slump, economic recession like some Latin American countries, the possibility of stagflation, the hollowing-out of manufac- turing industry, weakening of the national competitiveness, anti-market policy, and the distribution-oriented policies are the criticisms. They are coming from the lack of the understanding of the structural charac- teristics of the Korean economy, exaggerate trivial matters excessively, and are the ones without offering alternatives.National developmental strategy of the current administration is comprised of localization, long-term view, reform and openness, and social inclusion. The author focuses on the reform agenda of the government. Six reform agenda are I) developing the national innovation system and promoting innova- tive small and medium enterprises, ii) educational innovation and human resources development, iii) sweeping away all the privileges and corrupt practices, iv) rooting out real estate speculation and unearned income, v) market reform, and vi) government innovation. By carrying out the agenda consistently, the government aims to shift from seeking quantitative, factor-driven growth to building an innovative economic system. It should be followed by getting the society more democratic and flexible, liquidating all the corrupt practices, and keeping reform consistently. The administration should be characterized by the fact that it confronts structural and long-term “assignments” we have had for the decades, instead of running away from them, which is the historical mission assigned to it.