Reasons for Proposal
The artificial intelligence technology is expected to not only bring about a paradigm shift across all industries, but also give rise to major social, economic and cultural transformations, such as promoting innovation in the existing industries and thus re-organizing the industrial structure.
The profits generated by the artificial intelligence industry are expected to rise from 6 trillion won in 2017 to 119.7 trillion won by 2025, according to a report by the global market research firm, Tractica.
In this regard, major advanced economies are gathering their national policy capabilities by promoting large-scale investments and providing systematic support to lead the way for the artificial intelligence industry and to secure industrial hegemony.
However, Korean companies have failed to properly prepare for the introduction of artificial intelligence technology. According to the 2018 “Survey on the Introduction and Operation of 4th Industrial Revolution Technologies” of 200 Korean business persons, only 16% of the respondents were preparing for the introduction of artificial intelligence technology, while 12.5% answered that the technology was being used for their actual tasks.
Korea also recognizes the importance of the artificial intelligence industry, but it is difficult to preemptively respond to the artificial intelligence technology and industrial paradigm shift since the country lacks any efficient support system for such response.
The Act aims to devise an institutional foundation that allows the systematic promotion of and support for the artificial intelligence industry based on the perception that the artificial intelligence industry is an ideal solution to revitalizing the Korean economy and addressing social issues as a key axis of the digital new deal, thereby enhancing the national competitiveness of the artificial intelligence industry in contributing to development of the national economy.
Details
A. The Act aims to lay a foundation for the development of the artificial intelligence industry and systematically build the industry to enhance national competitiveness and develop the national economy (Article 1).
B. Impose duties to ensure that human dignity is protected in fostering the artificial intelligence industry and to prevent any discrimination and bias or human rights violation at any stage of artificial intelligence technology (Article 3).
C. Require the state and local governments to establish and enforce policies necessary for the systematic development of the artificial intelligence industry (Article 4)
D. Require the Minister of Science and ICT to establish a three-year basic plan and an annual implementation plan for the efficient and systematic promotion of the artificial intelligence industry (Article 6)
E. Organize a Committee for the Promotion of Artificial Intelligence Industry under the control of the Prime Minister to deliberate on key matters concerning promotion of the artificial intelligence industry (Article 7)
F. Enable the government to provide support for technological development, joint use of high-priced equipment, discovery of outstanding technologies and commercialization for promotion of the artificial intelligence industry (Article 12)
G. Allow artificial intelligence companies to benefit from reduced taxes and contributions, exempted contributions, and permission to enter into private contracts to use state-owned and public properties (Articles 13 and 14)
H. Enable the Minister of Science and ICT to provide necessary funds, equipment, etc., by attracting companies specialized in artificial intelligence and support facilities therefor to form clusters and designating specialized complexes for artificial intelligence to promote the artificial intelligence industry (Article 15)
I. Enable the Minister of Science and ICT to provide support for projects so as to enhance exchanges and cooperation among universities, research institutes and enterprises in those areas to which specialized complexes for artificial intelligence belong (Article 17)
J. Where the Minister of Science and ICT intends to designate a new specialized complex for artificial intelligence and the large-scale facilities and equipment have been established in the specialized complex for artificial intelligence previously designated, require him/her to formulate a plan for the joint use of said facilities and equipment (Article 18).
