2025 Global Doughnut Days_Donut Economics Research

On October 17, the 2025 Global Doughnut Day Policy Research Session was held at Neutinamu Library in Yongin, bringing together members of the local community, academia, local governments, and the National Assembly to discuss “an economy beyond growth.”

This session focused on using Doughnut Economics as a practical framework for policy and institutional transformation, aiming to develop a Korean model of Doughnut Economics.

Doughnut Economics, a concept proposed by British economist Kate Raworth, envisions a “safe and just space” where everyone can live a dignified life without exceeding the planet’s ecological limits.

The inner ring of the doughnut represents the social foundation, while the outer ring marks the ecological ceiling. The space between these two boundaries—the doughnut-shaped band—defines the zone where humanity can thrive sustainably.

This principle has already been adopted in the policy design and budgeting processes of cities around the world, including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Barcelona.

“Time to Move Beyond Growth-Centered Discourse”

The first presenter, Professor Sunhyuk Kim of Korea University, addressed the growth-centered discourse that has long dominated Korean society.
He noted, “Regardless of political orientation, government policies have consistently focused on growth. Yet social indicators such as suicide rates, birth rates, and environmental issues clearly show that our society is not happy.”
He emphasized that Doughnut Economics is not merely an environmental theory but a policy discourse that deals with both quality of life and sustainability.

Following him, Dr. Youngwoong Lee of the Gyeonggi Research Institute presented Doughnut Economics as a concrete design tool for social value policy.
He argued that institutionalizing social values requires opening diverse pathways of choice for citizens, and that “introducing Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach to expand the ‘freedom of choice’ offered by public administration is key.”
He added that combining social value with Doughnut Economics could become a practical model that enhances participation and democracy in policymaking.

Two members of the National Assembly also drew attention by joining the session online.
Assemblyman Jiho Cha, speaking from Amsterdam, referred to the concept of Planetary Boundaries, saying,

“Amid the overlapping crises of climate change and inequality, Doughnut Economics can serve as a practical alternative for restoring human life within global limits.”

Joining from New York, Assemblyman Youngbae Kim remarked,

“Doughnut Economics presents a new direction for social value policy,”
 and stressed that politics must translate these ideas into laws and institutions.

Doughnut Economics as a Policy Map Drawn by Citizens

Dr. Junghoon Kim of the Gyeonggi Research Institute, a panelist in the discussion, presented Doughnut Economics as a framework for realizing a “Basic Society.”
He explained that it aligns with the six principles of the Basic Society — priority of foundational economy, local rootedness, and democratic governance — emphasizing a shift from growth as an end in itself toward qualitative growth achieved through solving social problems.

Dr. Jungwoo Choi of the Korea Research Institute for Local Administration described Doughnut Economics as

“a framework that translates the complex concept of the social economy into terms citizens can easily understand,”
 and proposed introducing a ‘Doughnut-Informed Budgeting System’ at the local government level.
He explained that viewing real-world issues through the lens of the doughnut framework can help redefine budget priorities.

Dr. Changmook Han of the Yongin City Research Institute pointed out that “social value cannot be measured by a single standard,” stressing the need to design bottom-up pathways for social value rather than relying solely on top-down legislation.

In the subsequent open discussion, participants shared diverse ideas for bridging administration and practice.
 Chaehong Lim, Policy Advisor at the Association of Mayors, Governors, and District Chiefs of Korea, proposed building a data-based policy evaluation system tailored to Korea’s context, addressing variables such as AI, local depopulation, and disasters.
Youngyeon Shin, Policy Secretary of Seongdong District, shared on-the-ground examples including the district’s “Minimum Safe Housing Standards” and a public shuttle bus program connecting community facilities.
She emphasized,

“When Doughnut Economics moves beyond theory and is translated into the language of administration, society truly begins to change.”

Through this event, Neutinamu Library demonstrated its potential as a public forum for policy experimentation where academia, citizens, and politics meet.
Participants agreed that Doughnut Economics can serve as a compass for moving beyond a growth-centered society and for creating a safe and just space where everyone can live with dignity.