Independent presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo geared up his campaign activities on Monday stressing his philosophy of “convergence” and the importance of innovation.

“Unmanned vehicles appears to be a field where convergent thinking is well established in,” Ahn said during a visit to Kookmin University’s unmanned vehicle research center.

“Looking around, I thought what convergent approach to solving social issues really is being shown here.”

He also introduced his idea of “innovation economy” saying that it is based on the concept of enabling small- and medium-sized enterprises and the middle class to prosper by providing a “social safety net.”

He also hinted at reforming the country’s research policies saying that the government’s role is to establish the foundations for technological advancements and an environment that allows liberal research activities.

“Innovative ideas are needed for differentiation and to have far-reaching impact. I will reflect the things I learned today by visiting the researchers in the elaborate policies I plan to draw up,” he said.

Regarding Saenuri Party candidate Park Geun-hye’s announcements regarding historical issues that arose during her father Park Chung-hee’s rule, Ahn said that her actions were “difficult but necessary” and that a new future should be built from the lessons learned from history.

By Choi He-suk  (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)