Gwangju City and Policy Research Association Hold Policy Forum 'AX and Gwangju'

"AI Innovation Requires Building a Cooperative Ecosystem Among Private, Public, and Academic Sectors"
Special Lecture by Im Moonyeong, Chairperson of the Democratic Party's Digital Special Committee

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong attended the 11th Policy Forum held on the 28th in the medium conference room on the 3rd floor of the city hall, listening to a special lecture by Lim Munyoung, the Digital Special Committee Chair of the Democratic Party, on the theme "AX and Gwangju? Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Transformation and Regional Preparation." Provided by Gwangju City

The Gwangju Metropolitan Government and the Gwangju Policy Research Association announced on the 29th that they held the 11th Policy Forum on the theme of "AX and Gwangju - Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Transformation and Regional Preparedness" at the city hall's medium conference room on the 28th. The forum was attended by over 100 people, including Mayor Kang Gijung, city officials, and executives and staff from public institutions.

Im Moonyeong, Chairperson of the Digital Special Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, gave a keynote lecture introducing the trends in AI development and its impact on our lives, and suggested directions for Gwangju's response.

Through the first phase of the AI Integrated Complex project, the city opened the National AI Data Center in 2023 and established a world-class AI industrial environment by building 77 types of demonstration equipment, including driving simulators. To date, the city has signed business agreements to attract 272 AI companies and is dedicated to nurturing practical talent from the ground up through the AI Academy.

In particular, the city is laying the foundation for Korea's leading AI industry by establishing a step-by-step talent development ladder, including the AI Gifted High School, which is scheduled to open in 2027.

Chairperson Im stated, "Although the methods of innovation change with the times, the goal is always customer-centered. While we can create AI, we cannot create 'artificial wisdom.' To achieve AI innovation, we need the wisdom to break away from inertia and build an ecosystem of cooperation among the private sector, government, and academia."

Chairperson Im analyzed the achievements and challenges of Gwangju's AI industry in terms of ▲industry development ▲talent cultivation ▲startup support ▲infrastructure building. He emphasized, "For Gwangju to take a leap forward as an AI-centered city, it must proactively set and lead the AI agenda," and added, "AI future leaders should be brought to Gwangju."

He also stressed, "Korea is the only country in East Asia that has achieved both industrialization and democratization," adding, "Gwangju, as the center of Korean democracy and a core city in the AI industry, must write a new chapter in the history of this new era."

Meanwhile, the "Policy Forum" is a platform for policy discussion hosted by the Gwangju Policy Research Association (a joint research group of 18 public institutions under the city), and jointly organized by the Gwangju Metropolitan Government and the Gwangju Institute. The forum has been held 11 times on various topics, including local autonomy, data, and climate/environment.