[Exclusive] Government to Foster Advanced Talent by Supporting Overseas Dispatch of 'AI Scholars'

The government is set to announce detailed artificial intelligence (AI) strategies tailored by demographic group and sector, focusing on enhancing nationwide AI accessibility and cultivating core talent. To foster advanced talent, the plan includes selecting 'AI scholarship students' for overseas training and establishing measures to maintain networks with key talent working abroad. For the general public, the 'AI for All' strategy will significantly strengthen access to AI. The government will also identify specific items and outline concrete support plans. This marks the government's intention to unveil an economic policy direction (economic growth strategy) that is more detailed than ever before.

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According to relevant ministries on August 12, the Ministry of Economy and Finance is currently coordinating with other ministries to include these measures in the 'New Government Economic Growth Strategy' to be announced this month. A government official explained, "We are reviewing ways to design customized strategies by demographic group and industry more concretely and in greater detail than ever before," adding, "Rather than stopping at abstract keywords, we aimed to create actionable roadmaps by focusing on specific items for each sector where the government can make tangible investments."

To nurture advanced AI talent, the government is considering selecting scholarship recipients from within Korea to support their education in leading AI countries such as the United States, or to assist with overseas work opportunities. The strategy also includes efforts to attract outstanding talent from abroad. In order to build a global talent circulation structure across industry and academia, the government is developing strategies to maintain networks with Korean AI talent who have moved to advanced AI countries. Additionally, measures to support universities and prevent the outflow of domestic AI talent will be included.

The strategy will also feature 'AI for All' initiatives to enhance nationwide access to AI. AI education programs will be offered to the entire population. For students, AI programs will be incorporated into regular and after-school curricula, while job seekers and military personnel, among others, will be provided with online education to enhance their AI skills. The government believes that national-level support is necessary to ensure that everyone can adapt smoothly to the AI era. On August 7, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yooncheol stated at a meeting of economic ministers, "Through customized education for elementary, middle, and high school students, university students, young adults, soldiers, the general public, and technical professionals, we will turn everyone into an 'AI warrior.'"

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For the industrial sector, the strategy will include different AI new industry development plans tailored to each industry. The government plans to select specific industrial items and announce investment and support measures for each ministry. For example, instead of presenting a vague roadmap by broadly defining areas such as 'physical AI,' the government intends to target each industry and provide concrete, customized support measures. In the case of developing specific humanoids for particular manufacturing sectors, the plan will detail research and development (R&D) support strategies, demonstration support, and the roles of each ministry.

Deputy Prime Minister Koo has emphasized the need for precisely targeted AI support measures. At a National Assembly confirmation hearing on July 17, he explained, "In the shipbuilding sector, we are specifically reviewing the introduction of AI-powered welding robots," adding, "We are approaching this with a very concrete and targeted strategy." He also stated, "We must standardize and link data, and integrate AI into our key industries," highlighting the need to incorporate AI into shipbuilding, automotive, robotics, and drones.

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