At the beginning of October, the Centre for Next Technological Futures organised an exclusive meeting with the Korean Institute for Future Strategy executives: Professor Kim Byung-Yeon and Prof. Sohn Injoo. During the meeting, the professors presented the history and the future of the Korean economy, while the Centre for Next Technological Futures gave an insight into the aims of the Centre and into the ongoing research.

Firstly, the students had the opportunity to listen to a presentation by Professor Kim Byung- Yeon. He highlighted the main factors contributing to the rapid development of the Korean economy in the last century. Besides democracy and market economy, he drew attention to the importance of institutions, research & development, and STEM education. Regarding the future of Korea, Professor Byung-Yeon pointed out the geopolitical risk in the Korean region, which should not be neglected to maintain a strong economy. Later, Professor Injoo talked about the Korean Vision for 2050: “to stay in the core of the global economy instead of drifting to the periphery again”. However, the Institution believes that they not only want to remain a core economy but also protect Korea’s position in the cultural and military world as well.

After the insightful presentations, the MCC students were given the floor to ask the guests. Thanks to their openness, the  participants had the chance to find out the reasons why Korea is forming strategic partnerships and investing heavily in Hungary, and why Samsung is locating some of its R&D centres outside of Korea. Based on the feedback from the students, this session provided them with a valuable learning experience. Nevertheless, Professor Zoltán Cséfalvay also introduced the Centre for Next Technological Futures, presenting the main research areas and the operation of the Centre. Then, Viktor Lázár, one of the researchers, spoke to the guests about his latest research conducted in collaboration with Máté Ujvárosi.