Failure as an Asset: Startup Ecosystem Innovation Dialogue Platform

Startups Hold Policy Roundtable Towards the Future: Proposals for 'A Country Where Starting Up Is Good Again' On the 25th, the Korea Startup Forum (KOSPO) held an innovation roundtable with Democratic Party lawmakers at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, presenting numerous policy proposals for startups, the new growth engine of the South Korean economy. Under the theme of 'A Country Where Starting Up Is Good Again,' the event sought to explore current issues and future directions for the startup ecosystem. Numerous National Assembly members from the Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Startups Committee and the National Policy Committee attended the event, listening intently to the voices from the startup scene. Han Sang-woo, Chairman of KOSPO, strongly urged for the creation of a 'fair competitive environment' in the fields of AI robotics, global talent attraction, and digital transformation, stating that "the new growth engine of the South Korean economy can be found in startups." Specific innovation tasks were presented at the roundtable. Lee Hyun-jae, CEO of YesFuture, emphasized the importance of attracting global talent and stressed the creation of an environment where excellent overseas professionals can contribute to the Korean economy. Nam Sung-jun, CEO of Dazayo, called for nationwide legislation to ensure that the regulatory sandbox is not limited to central government ministries but can be actively utilized by local governments as well. Proposals in preparation for the era of demographic cliff also followed. Kim Cheol-beom, CEO of Deeplant, proposed ways to increase the sustainability of our economy by expanding startup opportunities for middle-aged and senior citizens. Kang Ki-hyeok, Vice President of Neubility in the AI robotics sector, emphasized the need for regulatory improvements, including the establishment of specific national strategies for strengthening the AI industry akin to the US and China, customized support measures, and the easing of requirements for technology-specific special listings. Jung Ji-eun, CEO of KODIT, appealed for realistic regulatory improvements, stating that Korea's excessive regulatory environment makes it difficult to attract foreign investment. Jeon Sang-yeol, founder of NowBusking, shared a philosophical insight that entrepreneurship is not merely about creating companies but a force that shapes industries and creates social value. Concluding the discussion, Assemblyman Kang Hoon-sik emphasized the importance of strategies for startups to effectively utilize the National Assembly, and Assemblyman Park Sang-hyeok expressed empathy for startup innovation, promising regulatory improvements and policy support. Han Sang-woo, Chairman of KOSPO, requested the participation of the government and the National Assembly for a society that respects failure and embraces entrepreneurs who challenge innovation. Assemblyman Jang Chul-min pledged continuous support for the action items discussed at the roundtable, including the AI industry ecosystem, startup policies for middle-aged and senior citizens, easing of technology-specific special listing requirements, and improvements to the regulatory sandbox. This roundtable delivered a strong message that the innovative energy of startups is establishing itself as a core driving force of the South Korean economy, and that practical policy and institutional support for this is urgently needed.