Jang Junyoung: "Industrial Development Hindered by Regulation-Only Approach"
Spotlight on the Robot Industry... Effective Response to Labor Market Changes
Lee Kyungjun: "Regulations Out of Touch with Reality Must Be Properly Revised"
A proposal has been made that 'self-regulation' is necessary for the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. To secure industrial competitiveness, it is argued that 'trust-based self-regulation' is more appropriate than institutional regulations such as strict controls.
Jang Jun-young, head of the AI Center at the law firm Sejong (attorney), presented this approach on the morning of the 4th at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the 'Corporate-Centered Growth-Oriented Regulatory Reform' forum, under the theme 'AI Regulatory Trends and Response Measures for Corporate Growth.' The event was attended by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and associations and companies from new industry sectors.
Jang Jun-young, head of the AI Center at Sejong Law Firm, is presenting at the "Corporate-Centered Growth-Oriented Regulatory Reform" forum held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the morning of the 4th. Photo by Jang Hee-jun
Center head Jang stated, "The characteristic of AI algorithms is that the uncertainty is so great that even developers sometimes cannot predict the outcomes," but added, "For sustainable industrial development, rather than relying solely on regulations, efforts toward 'self-regulation' where companies and users themselves detect and filter risks are necessary."
He pointed out concerns arising from copyright infringement controversies related to AI data training, emphasizing that "trust-based self-regulation is also effective in promoting data utilization and resolving legal and ethical concerns." In Korea, the boundaries between data training and copyright protection have not yet been established.
Furthermore, Jang introduced the framework of the upcoming AI Basic Act (Basic Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Establishment of Trust), which will establish the AI ecosystem, explaining that "its distinctive feature is that it emphasizes support and promotion rather than regulation." The AI Basic Act will be enforced starting January next year. In the case of the European Union (EU), the legal framework prioritizes the protection of citizens' fundamental rights, thus focusing on 'regulation.' Korea, however, accepted criticism that this amounted to 'excessive technological regulation' and established the world's first legal system focused on 'AI technology promotion.'
Lee Kyung-jun, Secretary General of the Korea Robot Business Association, is presenting at the "Enterprise-Centered Growth-Oriented Regulatory Reform" forum held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the morning of the 4th. Photo by Jang Hee-jun
There was also a suggestion that regulatory paradigms should differ by future new industry sectors such as robotics and biohealth. While regulation is necessary, the common opinion is that it must lead to 'securing industrial competitiveness.'
Lee Kyung-jun, secretary-general of the Korea Robot Industry Association, introduced regulations that are out of touch with reality under the theme of 'Advanced Robot Industry Development.' For example, parking robots are based on unmanned systems, but under current law, they are classified as 'mechanical parking devices,' which requires the appointment of a 'device manager.' He also pointed out the absence of regulations and systems related to hygiene and safety certification for cooking robots, despite the rapid development of the food tech industry.
Lee also explained the efforts of various countries in robot industry development, noting that "the United States pursues diversity to the extent of equating robots with AI and is making significant investments." Korea is expected to grow its industry size from the current 5.6 trillion won to over 15 trillion won under the '2030 K-Robot' policy, but there remain many challenges such as reforming unnecessary regulations mentioned earlier and securing infrastructure.
He further diagnosed that although Korea currently holds the 'highest manufacturing robot density,' most are concentrated and limited to simple tasks such as semiconductor processes, resulting in weak high value-added impact. He added, "The robot industry is a future industry with high growth potential that promotes economic innovation and effectively responds to labor market changes," emphasizing that "three elements?capital, talent, and regulation?are essential for the development of the robot industry."
Park In-sook, Director of the Korea Regulatory Science Center, is presenting at the "Enterprise-Centered Growth-Oriented Regulatory Reform" forum held on the morning of the 4th at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Photo by Jang Hee-jun
Park In-sook, head of the Korea Regulatory Science Center, stated, "Regulations in the biohealth sector must simultaneously ensure safety and efficacy," and she emphasized two points: the need for changes in regulatory agency systems and the crucial role of local governments as well as the central government for the proper functioning of regulatory paradigms."
Park advised that the regulatory paradigm for biohealth industry development should shift to 'proactive response' and that a cooperative system through 'regulatory science' must be established. This is a concept of a 'governance roundtable' where industry, academia, government, research institutes, regulatory agencies, and local governments can collaborate.
In this context, she used the metaphor of a 'valley that must be crossed,' rather than regulatory discourse aimed merely at dismantling regulations. Park explained, "The lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic made us realize the urgent need to strengthen capabilities," adding, "It takes Korea at least 10 years to develop numerous treatments such as vaccines, but Pfizer and Moderna, which emerged in less than a year, dominated the world and demonstrated 'vaccine sovereignty.'"
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
