Jobis & Villains on the 29th released the report "AI startup ecosystem innovation plan; focusing on investment, talent, and regulatory systems," jointly researched and written by Samjeomsam Research Lab and the Start - Up Growth Institute. The study presented the need for institutional reforms to strengthen the global competitiveness of Korea's AI industry.
According to the report, Korea has the world's No. 6 level of AI technology, but private investment ranks No. 18, showing a large gap. Cumulative investment over 10 years is about 8 trillion won, only 2.2% and 5.9% of the United States and China, respectively. The researchers diagnosed this as a "regulatory time lag" and noted that it is urgent to improve the regulatory system to match the pace of technological change.
Key proposals include establishing an "AI regulatory control tower" to integrate authority dispersed across ministries. This body would coordinate licensing and review procedures through a single window to minimize delays in launching convergent AI services.
It also advised shifting to "negative regulation," focusing on healthcare, Robotics, and Fintech. By specifying only prohibitions and allowing the rest, low-risk technologies could start operations with just a filing. It also proposed adding a "special case for processing pseudonymous information for AI training purposes" to the Personal Information Protection Act to streamline data acquisition procedures.
Other measures include introducing a dedicated "sandbox fast track" for AI startups, creating a "scale-up fund" jointly by the government and the private sector, and establishing an "S-start - Up visa" to attract global talent.
Choi Seong-jin, head of the Start - Up Growth Institute, said, "The core of AI competitiveness is not infrastructure but startups," adding, "Only when systems that foster innovation are put in place can we move toward becoming a true AI powerhouse."
Chae Yi-bae, head of Samjeomsam Research Lab, said, "Problems that hinder startup growth have long been discussed but remain unresolved," adding, "This study contains practical reform plans across the three pillars of capital, talent, and regulation. We hope the government will actively review them."