- The inaugural meeting: presentations and discussions on the AI and Digital Innovation Strategy for Growth and Leap to Global Top 3 in AI, and the 2024 Implementation Plan for Projects to Accelerate AI Integration Across Daily Life, Industries, and the Public Sector
- The gov't to invest KRW 710 billion this year to promote AI adoption in everyday life, including healthcare for the elderly and early diagnosis of autism in children

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The Ministry of Science and ICT (“MSIT”; Minister Lee Jong-Ho) announced the launch of the High-Level Consultative Council on Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which will serve as the top-level public–private governance framework for AI, on April 4, 2024.

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The rise of generative AI has accelerated the widespread integration of AI across various sectors of the economy and society. Today, AI is increasingly recognized as a key determining factor of a nation's economic growth and the quality of life of its citizens. With the growing importance of securing AI technology and industrial competitiveness throughout the world, big tech companies are competitively intensifying their investments in AI, and many countries are vigorously striving to bolster their AI competitiveness through substantial government funding* and the formulation of national strategies.

* (e.g.) Italy: Prime Minister announces plan to set up AI fund of 1 billion euros for the development of the technology (2024.3)

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Korea has been actively pursuing policy efforts, such as establishing strategies aimed at fostering AI innovation and enhancing industrial competitiveness. Additionally, to reflect and incorporate the creative ideas and expertise of the private sector into policymaking, the government has been operating a public-private consultative group* for different sectors (AI chips, laws and institutions, ethics, talent development).

* [AI chips] Top-Level Strategic Dialogue on AI Semiconductors (2022-), [laws & institutions] AI Legislation Innovation Team (2020-), [Ethics & Safety] AI Ethics Forum (2022-), [Talent development] Digital Talent Alliance (2022-)

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Amidst the emergence of generative AI, the influence of AI technology is extending beyond industry to encompass humanities and society, giving rise to multifaceted and intricate issues*. In this context, the High-Level Consultative Council on Artificial Intelligence Strategy was launched with a government-wide consensus that a command center with an interconnected and holistic perspective is needed to lead the direction of nationwide AI innovation. This approach arised from the recognition of limitations within existing mechanisms such as forums, advisory committees, and consultative groups, which operate within specific fields.

* (e.g.) The creation and dissemination of fake news using generative AI have far-reaching implications for society, extending beyond the industrial sector to culture and politics. This calls for a comprehensive review from ethical, legal and institutional perspectives, as well as the potential impact on industrial growth.

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The council comprises of 32 members including the two co-chairs (MSIT Minister and President Yeom Jaeho of Taejae University), 23 leading AI figures from the private sector ― who can represent each areas of general policy, AI chips, R&D, laws & institutions, ethics & safety, talent ― and seven Deputy Minister-level officials from government ministries (MSIT, MOEF, MOTIE, MSS, MOE, PIPC, KCC). It is planned that six subcommittees will be operated under the council, leveraging existing consultative groups (or by establishing new ones). The Hyperscale-AI Promotion Committee, composed of approximately 100 domestic hyperscale AI businesses, SMEs and startups, will be appointed as an external private sector advisory group. Its primary role will be to gather policy advice on government investment and support to foster an AI innovation ecosystem, and it will also serve as a regular channel for public-private communication.

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[ Organization of the High-Level Consultative Council on Artificial Intelligence Strategy ]

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The launch event started with Minister Lee Jong-ho and Taejae University President Yeom Jae-ho's opening remarks, followed by presentations and discussion sessions led by the MSIT. The agenda included ➊ Operation of the High-Level Consultative Council on Artificial Intelligence Strategy, ➋ AI and Digital Innovation-led Growth Strategy for Korea's Leap to Global Top 3 in AI, and ➌ 2024 People-Industry-Public Project Promotion Plan to Spread AI in Daily Life.

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[Agenda 1: Operation of the High-Level Consultative Council on Artificial Intelligence Strategy]

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The High-Level Consultative Council on Artificial Intelligence Strategy will support the development of infrastructure for AI chips and talent, secure key future original technologies through AI R&D, and provide policy recommendations and advice on safe AI use, including AI ethics. The council's subcommittees, MSIT, and relevant ministries will jointly seek responsible ways to implement the council's discussions.

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[Agenda 2: AI and Digital Innovation-led Growth Strategy for Korea's Leap to Global Top 3 in AI]

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Upon recognizing the AI revolution as a golden opportunity to overcome the structural challenges facing Korea, such as low growth and declining birthrate, the Korean government unveiled the AI and Digital Innovation-led Growth Strategy as a joint public-private strategy for Korea's leap to global top 3 in AI.

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According to an analysis from a study jointly conducted by the MSIT and Bain & Company, if Korea successfully integrates AI across the economy, including the manufacturing and services sector, it can generate an annual economic impact of KRW 310 trillion by 2026.

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The projected economic benefits include an annual revenue increase of KRW 123 trillion through the launch of new AI-integrated products, and and an annual cost savings of KRW 185 trillion through enhanced efficiency and automation. By each sector, the service industry would see an impact of KRW 136 trillion (44.4% of the total economic effect), the manufacturing industry KRW 77 trillion (25.2% of the total effect), and the ICT industry KRW 24 trillion (7.8% of the total effect). The analysis suggests that an average of 1.8 percentage points of additional annual economic growth is possible if the revenue gains from AI adoption are translated into higher GDP.

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The strategy encompasses key policy tasks and directions in four areas: innovation, industry, society, and institutions.

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First, the MSIT will promote AI technology innovation to lead the global market. Korea has competitiveness across the entire AI value chain, from AI and software to semiconductor technology, production capabilities, and advanced networks. Building on these strengths across the value chain, the Ministry seeks to propel the country to the forefront of global innovation competition, through large-scale R&D projects aimed at catapulting AI technology, fostering a highly skilled AI workforce, and establishing an AI-native network to support the advancement and widespread adoption of AI.

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Second, the Ministry will accelerate the incorporation of AI across all sectors to build a dynamic, AI-powered economy. Tailored AI adoption and diffusion strategies will be formulated and promoted, taking into account the unique characteristics of each industry and sector.

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Third, the Ministry will promote the active integration of AI technologies into daily life. As we enter the full-fledged AI era in 2024, AI is becoming increasingly prevalent, yet the experience and adoption rates among citizens (51%), enterprises (28%), and the public sector (55%) remain insufficient. In 2024, the government will implement the 2024 People-Industry-Public Project to Spread AI in Daily Life to make AI more accessible and ensure more people benefit from its applications.

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Fourth, the MSIT will work to establish a new digital order to fully embrace the deepening digitalization. Building on the Digital Bill of Rights unveiled last year, all government ministries will collaborate to create tangible outcomes through public discussion and policy research on key issues, and lead global conversations at international organizations such as the OECD and UN. The Ministry will also plan to promote digital inclusion policies to ensure that everyone benefit from digital innovation and that digital technologies contribute to reducing conflicts and disparities.

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[Agenda 3: 2024 People-Industry-Public Project Promotion Plan to Spread AI in Daily Life]

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If 2023 was a year of competition for the development of AI services, 2024 is being evaluated as a year of competition to create tangible results through the full-scale spread of AI services developed until now. The government plans to invest a total of KRW 710.2 billion in 69 projects to spread AI in people’s daily lives, industrial sites, and government administration so that people can truly feel the benefits of AI.

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First, a total of KRW 75.5 billion will be invested in 18 tasks to leverage AI to boost happiness in people’s daily lives. In addition to assisting AI adoption in social welfare (e.g. healthcare and disease management, care for disabled people and elderly), which is in high demand but difficult for the private sector to take charge, the government will also support the spread of AI in areas where AI can produce considerable benefits and the private sector is actively introducing AI services, such as childcare, education, culture, and housing.

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Next, the government plans to carry out 24 tasks with an investment of KRW 288.1 billion to promote AI integration in the workplace. Support will be provided to AI-based innovation in manufacturing and agricultural production, such as process efficiency and gradual automation. Efforts will be made to identify and diffuse private AI services in areas that require expertise, such as legal service, to reduce entry barriers and increase people’s access.

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In addition, 14 tasks will be carried out with an investment of KRW 115.7 billion to internalize AI in public administration services. By promoting the use of AI in public administration, such as daily work assistance and disaster prevention for fires and floods, the government plans to address social issues, realize a scientific government, and improve the quality and quantity of public services.

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Lastly, to prepare for the era of “living with AI,” the government will implement 13 tasks with an investment of KRW 230.9 billion to improve people’s AI literacy and awareness about AI ethics, expanding infrastructure for safe AI use. Based on this strategy, relevant ministries will promote the use of AI in people’s daily lives by 2024.

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Dr. Jaeho Yeom, President of Taejae University, said, "I hope that the High-Level Consultative Council on Artificial Intelligence launched today will serve as a venue for public-private cooperation that transcends ministerial and industrial silos for the bold and pioneering spirit of innovation. I hope that the Council deliver tangible outcomes for the general public and become a model for other countries."

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Minister Lee Jong-Ho said, "The MSIT has a great responsibility as the ministry in charge of AI in this age of AI. We will swiftly implement follow-up measures so that citizens and businesses can promptly see tangible outcomes. I hope that the Council launched today will prime the pump for Korea’s rise to the top in the era of “living with AI” and become a model nation, delivering prosperity to the citizens."

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"AI is a key field that can help Korea become a science and technology powerhouse. I hope that the AI Strategy Council will actively support innovative and bold AI research aimed at becoming the best and first in the world and help build an innovative ecosystem for AI technology, talent and industry of Korea," said Park Sang-wook, Senior Secretary to the President for Science and Technology, who attended the event. "We will work together with relevant ministries and top private sector experts participating in the Council to ascend to the top to become one of the three major global AI powers."

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For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.

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Please refer to the attached PDF.