The Ministry of Science and ICT has officially begun forming the Presidential National Artificial Intelligence Committee, which will lead the direction of innovation in the field of artificial intelligence. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Korea has taken a bold step toward securing its position among the world’s top artificial intelligence (AI) powers by establishing the National Artificial Intelligence Committee under the authority of the Office of the President. This initiative comes at a crucial time: Generative AI and other AI technologies are rapidly advancing, with AI expected to spread across all industries, creating a massive economic ripple effect.

The Committee embodies a groundbreaking “one team” approach, bringing together distinguished private sector experts, top government officials and academic leaders. This collaborative effort aims to harness the collective expertise of various sectors, creating a synergy that will drive Korea’s AI innovation to new heights.

Recently, the government recognized AI-semiconductors as one of three game changers for the nation’s future technological competitiveness. In April, it announced the “AI-Semiconductor Initiative,” a bold strategy to drive Korea into the global top three in AI. In May, Korea leveraged its global leadership to host the “AI Seoul Summit.” The successful event helped further strengthen the country’s involvement in AI.

The foundation for the Committee was laid on July 30 when the Cabinet approved the “Proposal for Presidential Decree on the Establishment and Operation of the National Artificial Intelligence Committee,” which legitimized its formation, outlined its core functions and structure and provided a clear mandate.

Photos from the “AI Seoul Summit” co-chaired with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on May 21 (Photo courtesy of the Office of the President)

The National Artificial Intelligence Committee will serve as the central hub for AI-related initiatives in Korea. The Committee’s mandate extends to deliberating on and coordinating a wide range of national AI policies. It will focus on key policies related to artificial intelligence, including formulating strategies for R&D and investment. The Committee will also work on expanding data centers and other infrastructure and identifying and improving regulations. Additionally, it will promote ethical principles in AI and address changes and responses in various sectors such as education, labor and the economy as AI continues to develop and impact society.

To thoroughly prepare for the AI-led future, it is essential for the private and public sectors to join forces. In fact, major countries around the world are already establishing public-private cooperative governance to harness their capabilities, aiming to win the competition for technological dominance in the winner-takes-all AI technology landscape.

The Committee’s strength lies in its diverse representation as it includes academic researchers, industry innovators and government policymakers. This inclusive approach ensures that strategies developed by the Committee are both innovative and practical, addressing the needs of various sectors while pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities.

The Committee is poised to yield significant benefits for Korea. It will concentrate the country’s AI capabilities under a unified framework, enhance Korea’s standing in the global AI landscape and drive AI adoption across various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, finance and education. This focused effort to harness AI technologies is expected to create new opportunities and enhance productivity.