The goal of this research is to suggest a development plan for AI industry of Seoul. To do this, we investigated AI policies of leading countries and statistics of AI human resources. To grasp the demand for AI policy in Seoul, we conducted online surveys and Delphi surveys for AI experts from companies and universities.
The global AI landscape is shaped by different approaches: the United States (US) with private enterprises, Canada with research centers and China with government-led initiatives. The AI ecosystem consists of semiconductor, cloud, platform and application segments forming a vertical value chain. Leading nations in the AI domain include US, Canada and China, each with its unique strengths and strategies.
In the US, private enterprises backed by advanced technology, data and capital are leading AI development. Extensive investments in research, development and talent have created a self-reinforcing cycle in Silicon Valley, Boston and New York. Canada, driven by renowned researchers, is fostering AI research hubs in Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton and Vancouver. China, taking a government-led approach, has designated eight pilot zones, focusing on long-term plans to secure top-tier talent in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangdong.
Recognizing AI's strategic importance, the US, EU and China are adopting national strategies. The US prioritises AI development for global competitiveness and addresses challenges posed by China through initiatives such as the National AI Initiative Act. The EU emphasises excellence, trustworthiness and societal benefits in its AI strategy, with programs such as Horizon Europe funding research and innovation. China views AI as a strategic technology, implementing plans to enhance core infrastructure, intelligent manufacturing and a supporting system for AI.
South Korea ranks fifth globally in R&D spending and twelfth in AI research papers. Despite significant investment, China surpasses the US in AI publications, highlighting the intense global competition. In 2019, South Korea outlined its national AI strategy, aiming for the world's third-best digital competitiveness by 2030. Local governments such as Gwangju contribute to AI policies, aligning with national objectives. Seoul, focusing on convergence, talent and scale-up, seeks to define its AI infrastructure's values.
To address challenges and opportunities in Seoul AI industry, a comprehensive plan is proposed, envisioning Seoul as a "Global AI City." The plan includes creating a robust AI infrastructure, allocating 200 billion KRW for AI academia-industry R&D, fostering 1,000 AI core experts, establishing a 300 billion KRW AI fund, nurturing 1,000 startups, attracting 10 mid-sized companies, bringing in 1,000 high-skilled foreign individuals and students and establishing five international AI research centers.