Signal Korea's AI technology and ecosystem gap with the United States and China is widening

Summary

The plan's background analysis credits Korea with strong ICT infrastructure and competitive manufacturing in cars, semiconductors and home appliances. It nevertheless reports that in AI-related technology and ecosystems the gap between Korea and the United States and China has deepened. This contrast between manufacturing strength and AI weakness is set against the plan's observation that AI has become a general-purpose technology. The gap matters in the plan's view because countries increasingly treat AI as a strategic asset in a race for leadership. The plan's cause analysis for its growth strategy likewise lists an inadequate AI response and a widening distance from leading countries.