- The " Proposal for Presidential Decree on the Establishment and Operation of the National Artificial Intelligence Committee" been approved in the Cabinet meeting.
- The selection of private sector members and other necessary procedures will be accelerated to ensure the swift launch of the committee.
The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter referred to as “MSIT”) announced that the "Proposal for Presidential Decree on the Establishment and Operation of the National Artificial Intelligence Committee" (hereinafter referred to as the Presidential Decree) was approved at the Cabinet meeting on July 30th (Tuesday). Following this, MSIT will begin the official formation of the National Artificial Intelligence Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Committee).
AI technologies, including generative AI, are advancing rapidly and are anticipated to have a substantial economic impact as they permeate all industrial sectors. The government has identified AI and semiconductors as one of the three major game changers for the nation's future technological competitiveness. In April, the government announced the ambitious "AI-Semiconductor Initiative," which aims to elevate the nation to AI G3 status. In May, it successfully hosted the "AI Seoul Summit," further bolstering support and showcasing global leadership in this field.
To thoroughly prepare for a future driven by AI, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive response through public-private collaboration. Major countries around the world are establishing governance frameworks for public-private cooperation to consolidate their capabilities and compete for technological dominance in the AI technology race.
This Presidential Decree reflects these perspectives, aiming to consolidate public and private sector capabilities to spearhead innovation across the national AI sector by establishing a presidential committee. Notably, the President will chair the Committee, ensuring a unified national effort.
Key details include:
1. Committee Composition: The Committee will consist of up to 45 members, including a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson. Government members will include the Ministers of Economy and Finance; Education; Science and ICT; Foreign Affairs; Interior and Safety; Culture, Sports and Tourism; Trade, Industry and Energy; the Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, the Chairman of the Personal Information Protection Commission, and the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Digital Platform Government, along with the Senior Secretary to the President for Science and Technology and the Third Deputy Director of National Security. Private sector members will be individuals with extensive expertise and experience in AI-related fields such as technology, economy, humanities, and society, appointed by the President. The Vice-Chairperson will be selected from these private members. The term for appointed members will be two years.
2. Committee Functions: The Committee will review and coordinate overall national AI policies, including:
Major AI-related policies
Strategies for research and development and investment
Expansion of infrastructure such as data centers
Identification and improvement of regulations
Dissemination of AI ethics principles
Responses to changes in various sectors such as education, labor, and economy due to AI development.
3. Support for Committee Activities: A support team comprised of private experts and relevant public officials will be established to assist with the Committee's activities and operations.
MSIT stated, "This Presidential Decree will help unify our national capabilities in the AI sector and establish a trustworthy environment for AI usage." The Ministry added, "We will promptly finalize the Committee's composition and ensure seamless preparations for the inaugural ceremony and the first meeting."
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Please refer to the attached PDF.