- Government launches 30 innovation projects with AI at the core.
- Focus on AI in manufacturing, public services, energy, and biotech.
- Projected GDP boost up to 12.6% through aggressive AI adoption.
South Korea has introduced an economic plan that focuses on artificial intelligence and deep technology as key components of its growth strategy, committing substantial financial and regulatory backing to expedite a comprehensive AI revolution and 30 national innovation initiatives.
“Artificial intelligence is our only breakthrough that can reverse the decline in growth,” the government said in a press release, projecting that aggressive AI adoption could lift productivity by as much as 3.2 per cent and expand GDP by up to 12.6pc.
The strategy, revealed on Friday by ministries related to the economy, emerges as the nation confronts a sharp drop in its potential growth rate, pressured by an aging demographic and diminishing global competitiveness.
Central to the initiative are 15 AI-focused projects aimed at integrating intelligent systems throughout manufacturing, services, and government. These encompass humanoid robots for manufacturing and logistics, self-driving vehicles and vessels, smart home devices powered by AI, drones used in agriculture and firefighting, and AI-integrated factories that merge robotics with process enhancement.
The government will also support AI chips for on-device computing and restructure the public sector with systems for welfare administration, tax adherence, and expedited drug approvals. For instance, AI will evaluate pharmaceutical applications to reduce approval durations and revamp the tax system through automated submissions and fraud identification.
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The nation intends to invest in data centers, a national AI computing center, and 6G hyper-AI networks. A select group of top domestic research teams will obtain focused assistance to create Korean AI foundation models, while universities will enhance AI education from elementary school to the doctoral level. The 15 "super-innovation economy" initiatives focus on advanced materials, energy stability, and emerging industries.
In energy developments, initiatives encompass advanced solar panels, offshore wind turbines utilizing high-voltage direct current transmission, green hydrogen production, and small modular reactors, along with AI-enhanced smart agriculture and fisheries to strengthen food security. Korea will additionally create satellites with 10 cm resolution for monitoring climate and handling disaster situations.
Consumer-focused initiatives seek to elevate Korea's strengths globally under the "K-Boom Up" theme. These encompass biotech and pharmaceuticals enhanced by AI, AI-driven content like games and webtoons, K-beauty hubs for cosmetic exports, and K-food initiatives to access halal markets and broaden global distribution.