The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence is an approach paper prepared by the government of Republic of South Korea. It presents the vision of the country in leading the world in the global AI sector and how the government is taking steps to foster growth in this area of technology. 

The vision document incorporates an opening note from the President who voices the willingness of the government to create a brand-new national strategy for AI to become an AI powerhouse. It also reflects his unrivalled efforts to create favourable conditions for aggressive investments in the private sector for spearheading advancements in AI.

The vision document consists of four parts: a) general prospect for AI which includes the current situation and the necessity for creating a national strategy for AI, b) the visions and goals that Korea envisions, c) the core strategies and tasks and d) the approach plan which involves governments initiatives and action plans.

The first section is a generic and informative section where the changes caused by AI and the future possible development of AI is explained. It also examines the global and domestic trends where it highlights that the government t has continued to assist innovative growth by drastically expanding the budgets for from 3.2 trillion won in 2019 to 4.7 trillion won in 2020. In a very engaging way, the section also identifies the policy trends of the major global players and the domestic trends for AI use cases. The second section elaborates on the vision and goals for the government to become AI world leader by 2030. It includes innovation of AI competitiveness which will encompass AI infrastructure enhancement, securing competitiveness in AI technology, drastic regulatory innovation and revision of laws and nurturing global AI start-ups. It also emphasizes full-scale utilization of AI and diffusing AI technology across all industry areas. The three major focus areas for the government will be building a competitive AI ecosystem, full-scale utilization of AI and a people-centred approach that would establish AI ethics. The third section describes the core strategies and tasks that the government is undertaking. This section has been further subdivided into segments such as establishment of global-leading AI ecosystem, securing competitiveness in AI technology, drastic regulatory innovation and revision of laws and nurturing global AI start-ups. In a very interesting manner, each of these subsections have been described from three angles: the current situation and issues, action strategy and key tasks associated for its fulfilment. The fourth and final section details the action plans that the government is taking and the progress that have been made so far. 

Relevance of the Strategy Paper

The vision document represents the commitment of the Korean government towards building an AI-centric nation. It reminds us of the fact that the country has the capability of turning their imagination into reality and taking on challenges to lead them to the path of an AI-driven nation. In this regard, the documents voices that the government itself will become AI-oriented and will use and support AI at every opportunity. There is also emphasis on making AI operate in a people-centered manner become a driving force behind social innovation. 

Key Takeaways

1. Korea is neither the first country to embrace AI nor the country with the best AI technology at present. However, it has the willingness and commitment to be one of the early adopters for innovative use of the technology.
2. The government is committed to support companies to earn profits and in the process to do so, it has earmarked 1.7 trillion won in next year’s budget for data, networks and AI. The document urges the people to use AI without fear as it believes that is the only way to grow and prosper without any constraint.
3. The vision and goal of the government is clear and simple with all initiatives directed towards increasing AI competitiveness.
4. The strategies and tasks to achieve the goals are made keeping in mind the global AI scenario and the code of ethics and guiding principles.