"Redefining the Competition Policy Paradigm for the AI Era Needed"

Korea Economic Research Institute, Korea Fair Trade Mediation Agency, and Korean Industrial Organization Society Hold Symposium
Exploring Directions for Competition Policy in the Era of AI and Digital Transformation
Industry-Specific Approaches Needed for AI Talent Competition and Consumer Protection
Public-Private Collaboration Essential for Innovation-Driven Competition Policy

The Korea Economic Research Institute, an organization under the Korea Economic Association, held a symposium titled "AI·Digital Innovation and Competition Policy" at the FKI Tower Conference Center on November 13, in collaboration with the Korea Fair Trade Mediation Agency and the Korean Industrial Organization Society. The event focused on discussing competition policies suitable for the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and measures to foster a fair market environment.

Employees of tenant companies are moving at the Korea Economic Association in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

Jung Chul, Chief Policy Officer of the Korea Economic Association and President of the Korea Economic Research Institute, stated in his welcoming remarks, "As the pace of technological innovation accelerates, new forms of competitive order are emerging." He particularly emphasized, "The spread of AI is increasing industrial efficiency, but it also brings complex policy challenges such as data concentration, algorithm-based decision-making, and the deepening of vertically integrated structures." He added, "Since AI is reshaping the industrial landscape, both the government and businesses must work together to establish new rules that support fair yet flexible competition."

Choi Younggeun, President of the Korea Fair Trade Mediation Agency, also commented on the symposium, saying, "I hope this event will serve as a meaningful forum to discuss both the establishment of fair order and industrial innovation amid the new competition brought about by AI." He continued, "We will ensure that the discussions held today are faithfully reflected in future policy development and research." Cho Sungjin, President of the Korean Industrial Organization Society, stated, "AI technology acts as a catalyst for industrial innovation, but at the same time, it contains the potential for new forms of market dominance and competition restrictions." He added, "I hope this symposium will provide a platform for academia, policymakers, and industry to jointly seek directions for fair competition and sustainable innovation."

In the first presentation, Yoo Minhee, Research Fellow at the Korea Economic Research Institute, analyzed the structural changes brought about by the spread of generative AI in the context of the global transition of AI competition policy and industrial innovation challenges. She expressed concern that "complex competition issues may increase market uncertainty and undermine the global competitiveness of domestic companies." She stressed, "The government should base its approach on fairness and transparency, while also promoting industry-led self-regulation and joint agreements to establish a new AI competition policy framework that harmonizes innovation and fairness." She added, "Competition authorities should evolve to become partners that support innovation by enhancing predictability and trust, and by strengthening their understanding of the characteristics of the AI industry and their data analysis capabilities."

Following this, Lee Jinhyung, Research Fellow at the Korea Fair Trade Mediation Agency, presented on "Current Status Analysis of Competition-Restricting Provisions in Advanced Industries such as AI," and Kim Hyunsoo, Research Fellow at the same agency, presented on "Disclosure of Probability-Type Item Odds and Consumer Welfare." In the subsequent panel discussion, experts exchanged views on the topic "Evolution of Digital Competition Policy: Harmonizing Regulation, Innovation, and Trust." The panel was chaired by Professor Kim Minki of KAIST, with participation from Dr. Kang Junmo (Kwangjang Law Firm), Professor Kim Jungyeol (KDI School of Public Policy and Management), Team Leader Kim Junho (Korea Economic Association), Professor Shim Kyungbo (Sookmyung Women's University), and Research Fellow Oh Junhyeong (Korea Fair Trade Mediation Agency). They stressed that "the core of competition policy is to protect competition itself, not competitors," and called for the introduction of analysis and monitoring systems that reflect the characteristics of each industry.