"The size of corporations is not the issue. We must foster wise and smart corporations—strong, small and medium-sized enterprises that create good jobs and give young people dreams and hope. At the same time, we need to prepare innovations suited to the AI era."
ChosunBiz held the "SME AX Leaders Forum" on the 26th at the Shilla Hotel in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, to seek innovation strategies for small and medium-sized venture corporations. The event was organized to find new breakthroughs for domestic small and medium-sized corporations facing crises such as rapid technological change and talent shortages.
In opening remarks at the forum, Kim Deok-han, ChosunBiz managing editor, said, "Around the world, innovation based on artificial intelligence (AI) beyond digital transformation (DX), that is, the 'AI great transformation (AX),' is emerging as a new keyword," and emphasized, "We must apply AI technology to small and medium-sized corporations, the root of Korea's manufacturing, and turn the crisis into an opportunity for innovation."
Kim said, "Small and medium-sized corporations are in a do-or-die situation amid aging, talent shortages, technological gaps, and intensifying competition," and added, "We must open the 'K-manufacturing 2.0 era' through a practical AX strategy centered on manufacturing sites." He continued, "It is fully possible if the driving force that enabled Korea to grow into a manufacturing powerhouse in a short period, advanced IT technology, and strong government support are combined."
The event drew a large turnout of political and business figures, including Minister Han Seong-suk of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Representatives Heo Seong-moo and Jeong Jin-uk of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee Dae-hee, CEO of Korea Venture Investment Corporation, Kim Hyun-woo, CEO of the Seoul Business Agency (SBA), Song Chi-young, president of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise (KFME), Jin Byeong-chae, president of the Korea Society of Small Business Studies, Jo Min-sik, president of the Korea Business Angels Association, Kim Do-hyeon, dean of the Graduate School of Business at Kookmin University, Mok Seung-hwan, CEO of SNU Holdings, and Choi Byeong-cheol, president-elect of the Korea Society of Venture Startups.
Kim said, "I hope today's forum will serve as a venue to diagnose the current situation of small and medium-sized corporations and seek strategies to lead new innovation," and added, "The attendees will become the key actors in opening the future of domestic small and medium-sized corporations." He concluded, "I hope this forum will be an opportunity to open a new leap forward for the Korean economy," and conveyed his greetings, saying, "I wish happiness to fill every one of your homes."