Expansion of AX Universities and Graduate Schools by 2030
Establishing Practical "AI Talent Development and Acquisition Plans"
On August 14, Science and ICT Minister Paik Kyunghun stated, "We are considering establishing 15 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation (AX) universities by 2030 and expanding the number of AI-focused universities from the current 10 to 30 graduate schools."
Science and ICT Minister Paik Kyunghun is speaking at the 'AX Talent Acquisition Expert Meeting' held on the 14th at Innovation Academy in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Baek Jongmin
Minister Paik made these remarks at the "AX Talent Acquisition Expert Meeting" held at Innovation Academy in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, emphasizing, "To become one of the top three AI powerhouse nations, we urgently need not only talent well-versed in AI, but also convergence talent who possess both expertise in various industrial fields and strong problem-solving skills."
He added, "We will need a large number of AX talent who can effectively solve problems in each field using AI. With this in mind, the government is planning to significantly increase investment to foster AX talent."
The meeting was attended by leading companies driving AX in key industries, including Hyundai Motor Company, VUNO, and HD Hyundai. AI solution providers such as NC AI, May I (a startup founded by graduates of Software Maestro), Next Studio (which offers customized AI services for enterprises), and EY Consulting (which supports companies in developing AI transformation strategies) also participated.
The companies shared their experiences and strategies regarding AI transformation, discussed the competencies and challenges of convergence talent required in the process, and offered suggestions on the types of talent needed in the field.
Kim Youngok, Chief AI Development Officer (CAIO) at HD Hyundai, said, "How to secure and retain AI talent in regional areas is a nationally important issue. It would be helpful to have additional systems such as providing special benefits to companies hiring regional talent or offering scholarships to talent who settle in those regions."
Science and ICT Minister Hoon Bae (right) is taking a commemorative photo with Youngpyo Jeon, Dean of Innovation Academy, at the "AX Talent Acquisition Expert Meeting" held on the 14th at Innovation Academy in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jongmin Baek
From academia, participants included physician-scientist Professor Seo Jongmo of Seoul National University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Professor Ahn Heegap, Head of the AI Graduate School at POSTECH, and Shim Jaeyoung, Dean of the AI Graduate School at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology. Master's and doctoral students from AI Convergence Innovation Graduate Schools, as well as representatives from related organizations such as the Korea Artificial Intelligence and Software Industry Association and the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation, were also present. They proposed educational programs for nurturing talent to reflect industrial changes and suggested directions for institutional improvements to secure convergence talent in collaboration with industry sectors.
The government plans to establish an "AI Talent Development and Acquisition Plan." Minister Paik stated, "Although it is often said that most software technologies will be replaced by AI, there will always be areas where work must be done directly by experts-that is, by people. We will continue to listen to voices from the field to develop practical measures for talent acquisition and support, and to assist our companies in their AI transformation."
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