Yoo Sang-im "Urgency of AI and Advanced Bio... Existing Preliminary Feasibility Study Format Does Not Fit"

8th Science and ICT Committee Hearing for Candidate Minister Yang Sang-im
"Need to Address Preliminary Feasibility Study Drawbacks... Promote Global Joint Research"

Yoo Sang-im, the nominee for Minister of Science and ICT, stated, "The AI and advanced bio sector projects that our country pursues require urgency, so the preliminary feasibility study (PFS) format used in previous years is not suitable."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee on the morning of the 8th, Yoo responded to a question from Choi Su-jin, a member of the People Power Party, who asked, "There is an evaluation that innovative research could not be conducted due to the long duration of R&D PFS projects. What is your opinion on this?" Yoo said, "I think it is important to resolve the drawbacks of the PFS as other areas besides AI and advanced bio are also rapidly changing compared to before."

Regarding the current situation where Korea is conducting only domestic research rather than global research in the era of technological hegemony, Yoo stated that efforts will be made for improvement. Yoo said, "The countries Korea competes with are not developing or emerging countries but the strongest countries such as the United States, Europe, Japan, and China," adding, "From that perspective, promoting joint R&D with countries of the same or higher level is important to raise Korea's level, so I intend to focus on securing the system."

In response to a question from Jo In-cheol of the Democratic Party, who asked, "There are concerns about ethical issues related to AI and copyright problems in the data acquisition process, with criticism that the absence of a control tower is the reason. What do you think about this?" Yoo said, "I will strive to unite the scattered AI research entities centered on the Ministry of Science and ICT."

When Jo asked, "Are you aware that the AI Basic Act focused on promotion has passed the standing committee?" Yoo replied, "I was not aware," but added, "However, I believe it is an issue that requires careful consideration and decision." Yoo had previously answered in a written pre-hearing questionnaire that the AI Basic Act is necessary.