Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KOTEC) analyzed the level of artificial intelligence transformation (AX) among domestic venture companies and found that many remain in the "early adoption stage." While there is agreement on the need, the assessment said a "gap" was evident in actual execution capabilities.
Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KOTEC) on the 27th announced the results of the "SME and venture AX innovation index status analysis," conducted together with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Venture Business Association. The survey covered 437 venture companies and was analyzed using a self-developed AX innovation index.
The analysis showed that the AX innovation index for domestic venture companies averaged 48.0 points. This corresponds to the early build-out stage before AI adoption leads to a full-fledged performance phase.
In the detailed items, the gap between implementation will and execution foundation stood out. Members' AX implementation will scored a relatively high 65.8 points, but the infrastructure level was only 28.8 points.
By corporate characteristics, smaller and earlier-stage companies showed a faster response. Companies with revenue of 1 billion won or less scored 55.4 points, higher than those with more than 5 billion won (39.5 points). Companies founded within three years (54.5 points) also outpaced those over seven years old (44.5 points).
By industry, technology services scored the highest at 58.9 points, while manufacturing came in at 39.3 points, showing a clear gap.
By region, Honam (53.5 points) and the Southeast (53.1 points) outpaced the greater Seoul area (48.8 points). The analysis suggests that AX adoption linked to regional strategic industries had an influence.
Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KOTEC) plans to strengthen tailored policy support by AX level based on this analysis. It will expand financial support focusing on corporations that possess AI technology and those that use it, and will also pursue measures to alleviate labor shortages.
Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KOTEC) Chairman Kim Jong-ho said, "We have confirmed the current state of venture companies' AI transition through data," adding, "We will expand support to spread AX and strengthen global competitiveness."