The capabilities and level of artificial intelligence (AI) utilization in domestic corporations have proven to be very low.
The Korea Industrial Technology Association published the results of a survey titled 'Current status and analysis of AI utilization in corporations' targeting 1,479 corporations with research and development (R&D) organizations on the 13th.
According to the survey results, 76.9% of responding corporations stated that 'it is necessary to introduce AI in performing tasks.' The percentage of respondents in the service industry who said AI adoption is needed was 89.7%, higher than that of the manufacturing sector (70.7%).
However, only 45.6% of corporations said they utilize AI in any manner for their operations. The proportion actively utilizing it at the company-wide level was also limited to 14.1%.
Among corporations that reported utilizing AI, 71.7% evaluated the return on investment (ROI) positively. In particular, many respondents noted effectiveness in reducing work hours and improving services.
Corporations that have not yet adopted AI cited reasons such as lack of prior preparation (26.5%), inadequate AI utilization capabilities (24.2%), and the burden of AI introduction costs (21.3%). Among these corporations, 75.7% indicated they have no plans to adopt AI within the next year.
Most responding corporations, 92.2%, stated they have no experience with government support programs related to AI. They cited difficulties in finding information about support, a lack of necessary support, and inadequate support scale as reasons.
Kim Jong-hoon, executive director of the Korea Industrial Technology Association, evaluated, 'At a time when corporations are struggling to secure AI capabilities, the new government's announcement to expand investment with the goal of being a global leader in AI is very encouraging.'