"AI Era Survival Strategy: Overturn the Game and Awaken Data"... 'Data' Emerges as the New Keyword in Corporate Strategy

From Data Assetization to Patent Analysis at the WatTech Summit 25

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI) super-gap, "data" is once again drawing attention as the solution for corporate survival. There have been a series of warnings that companies may be eliminated from the market if they fail to elevate data utilization from a simple asset to the core of their strategy.

At the 'WatTech Summit 25' held in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, on the 17th, key representatives from major companies such as Kakao and Wat Intelligence gave presentations on topics including "AI-native transformation" and "IP (intellectual property such as patents) data-driven strategies." Minho Hwang, Senior Director of Technology Strategy at Kakao, delivered a presentation titled "The Core of AI-Native Transformation: Data Assetization Strategy," stating, "AI is not just about adding simple functions, but about redesigning the very heart of a company." He emphasized, "The most powerful engine that makes this possible is data."

Minho Hwang, Senior Director of Technology Strategy at Kakao, is presenting at the 'WatTech Summit 25' held on the 17th at Amoris Yeoksam, GS Tower, Seoul. Photo by Wat Intelligence

Kakao is currently overhauling its company-wide structure to integrate and utilize internal data in order to become an AI-centric company. Hwang explained, "If in the past data was seen merely as a cost burden, now it must be re-evaluated as a highly advanced factor of production," and added, "We are building an ecosystem where data is refined and connected so that AI can autonomously learn and make decisions."

At the same event, Jungho Yoon, CEO of Wat Intelligence, delivered the keynote, stating, "For companies to survive in this era of hyper-competition, they must completely overturn the existing order and adopt strategies that anticipate competitors' moves based on patent data." He emphasized, "The advent of AI and LLMs (large language models) is neutralizing the resource advantages that large corporations once held," and added, "This is an era where new opportunities are opening up even for startups."

Yoon Jungho, CEO of Wat Intelligence, is giving a presentation at the 'Wat Tech Summit 25' held on the 17th at Amoris Yeoksam in GS Tower, Seoul. Photo by Wat Intelligence

On this day, Yoon introduced how global companies such as Tesla, Google, and Pfizer strategically utilize patent data to analyze their competitors. He stated, "The core of the 'know yourself and know your enemy' strategy is data," and explained, "Global companies can predict their competitors' technological directions and even the timing of their market entry using only patent data." He added that the prediction of Huawei's entry into the electric vehicle market in 2021 was also made possible through such analysis.

Meanwhile, Hwang introduced Kakao's AI-based work tools such as 'AI Buddy,' 'Code Buddy,' and 'AI Search,' illustrating the company's practical organizational changes. Hwang stated, "Data democratization is the true destination for AI-native companies," and emphasized, "Only when every employee uses data as a part of their daily routine does true competitiveness emerge."