A new legislative push in South Korea aims to supercharge the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector and establish its place as a global AI leader. The “Special Law for the Promotion of the Artificial Intelligence Industry” (Bill No. 2210957) has been submitted to the 22nd National Assembly by Rep. Choi Min-hee and 13 other lawmakers.
The bill seeks to secure national sovereignty over AI technologies, strengthen Korea’s global competitiveness, and drive economic growth. It builds on January’s foundational AI legislation by adding concrete mechanisms to foster innovation and industrial development at scale.
Key measures include establishing a national strategic plan to boost AI competitiveness, supporting the creation and operation of large-scale AI mega clusters, and promoting new AI research and pilot projects. The bill also provides legal grounding for disseminating R&D results, supporting strategic initiatives, and launching corporate joint research institutes.
The proposal comes amid intensifying global AI competition. The United States, European Union, and China have each unveiled investments in AI infrastructure and technologies. Lawmakers argue Korea must act boldly to remain competitive in this rapidly evolving field.
The bill also lays out a comprehensive plan for workforce development, including attracting international AI talent, monitoring labor market trends, fostering regional expertise, and investing in youth training and education programs. Specific provisions support information-sharing and financial backing for top-tier companies and expert trainers.
On the infrastructure side, the legislation proposes the designation of AI data center special zones and calls for expanded support through tax incentives, employment subsidies, and a newly established AI Industry Promotion Special Account. It also includes clauses for easing regulatory burdens, such as modifying preliminary feasibility studies for AI-related projects.
Now under committee review, the bill represents South Korea’s most ambitious effort yet to institutionalize AI growth.
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