{"id":2206698,"date":"2024-10-07T18:51:40","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T09:51:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2206698"},"modified":"2024-10-08T16:05:43","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T07:05:43","slug":"south-koreas-ai-strategy-faces-global-competition-and-political-roadblocks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/10\/south-koreas-ai-strategy-faces-global-competition-and-political-roadblocks\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea\u2019s AI strategy faces global competition and political roadblocks"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea\u2019s presidential office launched the <\/span>National AI Committee<\/span><\/a> at the end of September to advance its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, adopting a flexible regulatory framework as it looks to become a top three player in this space.<\/span><\/p>\n But the decision to launch the committee arguably reflects ROK political division more than the exigencies of the emerging AI industry. There are currently <\/span>six AI-related bills<\/span><\/a> proposed in the National Assembly, but lawmakers are still in the process of gathering opinions regarding the bills\u2019 regulatory content.<\/span><\/p>\n On the one hand, the decision to focus on presidential committees allows the administration to set guidelines and coordinate public-private sector cooperation. In a fast-evolving field like AI, where technological advancements can quickly render laws obsolete, this approach offers businesses the flexibility to adapt relatively quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n For businesses, this regulatory flexibility provides a less restrictive operating environment. Companies in sectors such as AI semiconductors, telecommunications and health care can explore new applications without the burden of compliance with slow-moving legislation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n South Korea\u2019s global partnerships, such as the <\/span>U.S.-ROK AI working group<\/span><\/a>, will also allow businesses to benefit from international collaboration.<\/span><\/p>\n However, the absence of formal legislation means that businesses may face uncertainty regarding issues like data protection, intellectual property and AI accountability. It could also create ambiguities in international markets, where companies are required to comply with more stringent regulations, such as the <\/span>EU\u2019s AI Act<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n This regulatory gap may hinder South Korean firms from competing globally as they may struggle to meet the compliance requirements of stricter regulatory environments.<\/span><\/p>\n SETTING AI INVESTMENT PRIORITIES<\/b><\/p>\n The National AI Committee is tasked with setting investment priorities that align with South Korea\u2019s goal of becoming a top three AI power. To that end, the committee is structured to bring together both public and private sector experts, with 30 private-sector leaders and 10 ministers from key government departments.<\/span><\/p>\n The focus on AI semiconductors reflects Seoul\u2019s plan to leverage its existing strengths in semiconductor manufacturing to gain an edge in <\/span>AI hardware development<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n The global AI semiconductor market represents a significant opportunity for South Korea. By focusing on developing AI chips, the government can strengthen industries such as health care, defense and telecommunications, where AI-driven innovation is critical.<\/span><\/p>\n However, global competitors such as the U.S., China and the EU are not only investing heavily in AI but also creating comprehensive regulatory frameworks to support these investments. Without strong, coordinated efforts, South Korean firms may struggle to keep pace with their global rivals.<\/span><\/p>\n The size of the National AI Committee could also present challenges. While more nimble than the National Assembly, <\/span>bureaucratic delays<\/span><\/a> could still slow the implementation of key investment strategies.<\/span><\/p>\n