"The AI Token Gap Is Coming... The AX Solution Lies in Institutions and People"

Warning of New Polarization as Parental Economic Power Leads to Gaps in Computing Resources
Proposing Alternatives: Basic Student Access to Computing Power and Competency Enhancement Account System
"We Must Not Lose a Single Talent"

"AX (AI Transformation) is the accumulation of institutional improvements." (Vice Chairman Kim Seongsik) "AX is about people." (Vice Chairman Lee Kyungsoo)

At the symposium titled “AX Challenge and Response: National Strategy for Innovation, Growth, and Inclusion,” jointly hosted by the National Science and Technology Advisory Council and the National Economic Advisory Council on June 25, Kim Seongsik, Vice Chairman of the National Economic Advisory Council, and Lee Kyungsoo, Vice Chairman of the National Science and Technology Advisory Council, each identified “the accumulation of institutional improvements” and “people” as the core tasks of AX.

Lee Kyungsoo, Vice Chairman of the National Science and Technology Advisory Council (right), and Kim Sungsik, Vice Chairman of the National Economic Advisory Council (center), are discussing at the "AX Challenges and Responses: National Strategy for Innovation, Growth, and Inclusion" symposium held on the 25th at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Photo by the Science and Technology Advisory Council

Vice Chairman Kim emphasized, “AX is the accumulation of institutional improvements.” He meant that, in the process of AI proliferation, there are many institutional bottlenecks that need to be addressed before technology itself. He specifically warned that the “AI token gap” in educational settings could lead to a new form of polarization. Differences in parental economic power could translate into disparities in access to AI computing resources, which in turn could widen the gaps in academic performance and employment opportunities.

As an alternative, Vice Chairman Kim proposed guaranteeing a “basic right to access computing power,” going beyond the simple discussion of a basic income. He also stated that it is necessary to introduce a “basic competency enhancement account system” for both those changing careers and new job seekers.

Resolving institutional friction for growth was also highlighted as a major task. Vice Chairman Kim cited medical data as an example, pointing out that unless the ownership and usage rights of data among patients, doctors, and hospitals are clarified, it will be difficult to foster the growth of AI-based new drug development or the medical device industry. He stressed that institutional frameworks concerning data utilization, responsibility, and compensation systems must precede the promotion of the AI industry. The increase in electricity demand resulting from AI proliferation was also identified as an infrastructure issue that the government must proactively address.

Vice Chairman Lee stressed, “AX is about people.” He said, “Not a single talent should be overlooked,” and proposed inclusion and diversity as survival strategies in an era of population decline. Vice Chairman Lee also underscored the importance of fully utilizing the female workforce.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.