BISTEP Proposes Human-Centered Technology Ecosystem Policies in the "Age of AI Prosperity"

Diagnosing the Identity Crisis Triggered by Technological Proliferation
The Need for Responses Based on Education, Regional Development, and Governance

Busan Institute of Science, Technology and Education Promotion (BISTEP), the city's dedicated R&D agency led by President Kim Youngbu, has published the 2025-5 issue of its "R&D Policy Brief" under the theme "The Age of AI Prosperity: Strategies for Creating a Human-Centered Technological Ecosystem."

This brief is significant in that it diagnoses the current reality where, amid the rapid spread of artificial intelligence and the accelerated transition to a technology-centric society, human roles and dignity, as well as balanced regional development, are under threat. It also presents policy directions in response to these challenges.

AI technology is rapidly advancing into high-level domains such as content creation and production, legal consulting, and medical diagnosis and patient management, causing structural changes across the entire socio-economic spectrum. However, issues such as job restructuring, digital accessibility imbalances, deepening technological dependence, and algorithmic opacity have been identified as factors that threaten human identity and community trust, despite the benefits of the technology.

As policy alternatives to address these challenges, BISTEP has proposed four policy directions: establishing a policy framework to secure technological ethics and social trust; shifting education and culture to focus on uniquely human capabilities; creating a region-based support system for inclusive digital transformation; and building AI governance based on cooperation among the public sector, private sector, and civil society.

In addition, the brief analyzes the changes brought about by the spread of AI technology in major fields such as science and technology, the labor market, education, socio-culture, and regions, and proposes specific response strategies for each area. According to the brief, the possibility of AI technology replacing or complementing human functions varies by field, and a strategic approach tailored to each is necessary.

Song Minho, Senior Researcher at BISTEP's Policy Research Division, who was in charge of the policy research, emphasized, "AI is merely a tool, and its direction must be determined by humans and serve humanity." He added, "The age of AI prosperity is precisely the time to reflect on the roles of humans, communities, and regions." He continued, "BISTEP will continue to take the lead in policy research aimed at establishing human-centered science and technology policies and building a region-based innovation ecosystem that upholds social trust and balance."

The full text of the 2025-5 issue of the "R&D Policy Brief" can be found on the BISTEP website.

Classification of Human Function Replacement/Complementation According to AI Application by Major Fields.