Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok - Promises to support the fostering of the AI industry in Daegu

Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok - Commitment to support the cultivation of the AI industry in Daegu

Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok expressed his commitment to supporting the AI industry development in Daegu. During a meeting with local ICT companies held in the Daegu Suseong Alpha City, he emphasized the need for a transition to AI-based manufacturing and the establishment of a research and development hub in the Yeongnam region. This is interpreted as a policy signal to spread centralized technological advancement to the regions through cooperation between the government and the local community, rather than a mere local visit. His remarks suggest the potential for Daegu to establish a new balanced development model. Such changes hold significant implications not only for Daegu but also for the industrial transformation strategy of the entire Republic of Korea.

Regional Balanced Development in the Era of AI: Focused on Daegu

The development of AI technology is impacting all sectors of the nation. However, the benefits of such technology tend to be concentrated in metropolitan areas. Non-metropolitan regions like Daegu have been relatively underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure and investment. Candidate Kim Min-seok's remarks emphasize the need for a foundational AI industry in non-metropolitan areas, expressing his commitment to promoting balanced regional development through this. The cultivation of the AI industry in Daegu will open new possibilities for regional development in itself. This will bring positive changes to the local residents as well.

AI strategy of the central government and regional diffusion structure

The Lee Jae-myung government is adopting 'AI transformation' as a national future strategy. This government strategy is not limited to Seoul, but is spreading to non-capital cities such as Daegu. Daegu is continuing its policy flow to establish itself as an 'AI-based AX hub' and the statements made by candidate Kim Min-seok further emphasize this trend. Active testing and research development of AI technologies in Daegu is laying the groundwork for regional growth. True industrial transformation will occur when the will of the central government aligns with the potential of the region.

The current situation and potential of Daegu

Daegu was well-known for its past textile industry and automotive parts manufacturing, but recently it has faced industrial decline and pressure from population outflow. However, many ICT startups and research institutions have concentrated around the Suseong Alpha City, laying the foundation for the AI industry. The Daegu Digital Innovation Promotion Agency is currently supporting digital transformation and the application of AI technologies for local manufacturing companies, and there are active plans for establishing an AI research and development hub. These activities demonstrate Daegu's potential to grow as a center for the AI industry.

Structural Implications of the AI Industry Transition

The transition of the AI industry requires fundamental changes in the existing industrial structure rather than merely adopting technology. Daegu is seeking innovation from traditional labor-intensive manufacturing to AI-based smart manufacturing. This presents an opportunity to simultaneously achieve two goals: enhanced productivity and improved quality. However, there are concerns about side effects such as the ongoing reduction of jobs due to automation during this transition process. Therefore, merely introducing technology is insufficient it is necessary to restructure the local economy and employment ecosystem. This must be accomplished through connections across politics, economy, and society.

Execution tasks and policy considerations

For AI-based regional industrial transformation to be successful, several key challenges must be addressed. First, the roles and financial coordination between central and local governments must be clear. Second, institutional guarantees for cooperation among public, private, and academic sectors are necessary. Third, systems such as demonstration testbeds, workforce training, and regulatory sandboxes should be established to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Finally, institutional mechanisms to monitor government policies and their feasibility are also essential. When these execution challenges are established, the transformation of the AI industry will become a reality.

Conclusion: The Path to Regional Balanced Development

AI technology is not just a tool. It serves as an opportunity for South Korea's future growth strategy and balanced regional development. Daegu establishing itself as an AI hub will significantly contribute to realizing the nation's technological democratization and spatial balance. Candidate Kim Min-seok's remarks confirm this direction and symbolize the potential for the region to emerge as a主体 of technological transformation. However, for this vision to become a reality, specific policy implementation must accompany it.