Embrace the Future We Should Meet

 Embrace the Future We Should Meet

While exchanging New Year's cards and good wishes, it's challenging to discuss living a happy life in South Korea, ranked 32nd in the OECD's happiness index among 34 countries. Engaged in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and promoting regional industrial development, I've long been interested in the balanced approach to growth and happiness found in the Nordic countries.

Sweden, Finland, Denmark, among others, represent exemplary Nordic nations. With populations ranging from 5 to 10 million, these countries are led by exemplary large corporations that drive their economies. Even in regions like Ulsan and Geoje Island in South Korea, where the per capita income exceeds $40,000, I find myself contemplating methods to build cities and nations where growth and happiness go hand in hand, especially after reading Professor Chae Yeon-hyuk's "The Future We Should Meet" from Sweden's Södertörn University.

Professor Chae's examples illustrate how Sweden managed to capture both growth and national happiness. Ultimately, I concluded that the key essence lies in "morality."

Swedes are highly critical of political privileges. Even minor scandals or mistakes, like a minister who didn't pay TV license fees, can lead to public outcry and resignation. Consequently, Sweden is known to have one of the lowest corruption rates globally.

If asked to pick the most outstanding modern Swedish politician, the immediate choice would be Tage Erlander. He served as prime minister from the age of 45, leading Sweden through welfare and growth, capturing both rabbits of welfare and growth for 23 years until his voluntary retirement at 68. What made him even more famous was his modest lifestyle post-retirement, without even owning his own house.

Swedes demand transparency from politicians. Buildings in Sweden are characterized by interiors made of transparent glass walls, revealing the thoughts and conversations of politicians and public officials to the world.

Industrial competitiveness began with the Solidarity Income Policy in the 1960s, during a time of severe wealth disparity. Major corporate unions agreed to restrain wage increases and continuously raise the wages of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) unions to their level, thus eliminating the distinction between large and small enterprises in Sweden.

Growing up with easy access to travel across Europe, conversing in various languages is more of a pleasure than a stress. Consequently, multilingualism is natural, and many speak multiple languages. Universities attract people seeking specialized knowledge through government-funded education, and low-interest loans make global talent plentiful. It's regrettable that South Korea remains isolated, like an island, due to the division. The day we can travel by train to Europe, we might not need to force our children to study English.

Though small, Sweden boasts global companies like Volvo, Scania, Saab, Ericsson, AstraZeneca, Electrolux, IKEA, and H&M. The hallmark of these companies is their practicality and affordability, producing products that excite people worldwide.

Tragic events like the SsangYong Motors incident do not occur in Sweden. During layoffs, companies ensure full pay for one year, provide re-employment education within one year, and support startup costs. This starkly contrasts with South Korea, where layoffs are often the end. It's commonly argued that if companies take on all responsibilities, how many will survive, but sustainable growth requires this. This is what makes for a just society and great companies.

With a high-quality healthcare system, free education, and the operation of elderly health and retirement pensions, citizens paying 27-60% of their income in taxes are willing to pay more in the future. It's because of the trust they have in each other and their belief in absolute "morality."