The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) is establishing the AX Graduate School to drive national AI transformation. With a focus on nurturing talent to lead digital innovation through the convergence of AI and various industries, it will be a key pillar in Korea’s strategy to leap forward as an AI-leading nation by 2030.
How Does the AX Graduate School Work?
The AX Graduate School goes beyond simply teaching AI technology; it emphasizes convergence with various industrial fields. The focus is on developing the ability to apply AI technology to actual industrial settings. For example, it operates specialized courses in areas such as medical AI, financial AI, and manufacturing AI, and supports students in gaining field experience through cooperation with real companies.
3 Market Impacts of AX Graduate School
- Expanded Supply of AI Talent: By training 20,000 AI talents by 2030, it is expected to contribute to solving the AI workforce shortage. This will directly impact the competitiveness of the domestic AI industry.
- Accelerated Digital Transformation Across Industries: It is expected to promote the creation of new business models through the convergence of AI technology and other industries, and to lead to improved productivity across industries. For example, the construction of smart factories and the development of AI-based medical diagnostic systems will become more active. Market research firm IDC forecasts that domestic companies’ AI investment will exceed 10 trillion won by 2027.
- Strengthened Global AI Competitiveness: As AX Graduate School graduates lead the domestic AI industry, Korea’s AI technology competitiveness will be further strengthened in the global market. This will lead to expanded opportunities for overseas market entry and increased global influence of domestic AI companies. According to global data platform Statista, the Korean AI market size is expected to reach approximately 3 trillion won in 2024.
Who are the Competitors of AX Graduate School?
The competitors of the AX Graduate School can be broadly divided into two categories. First, existing university AI-related departments. They already have a solid academic foundation, but may not have as strong a connection with industrial sites as the AX Graduate School. Second, AI-related programs at leading overseas universities. They provide world-class education, but may not reflect the characteristics of domestic companies.
For example, KAIST’s AI Graduate School boasts a long history and excellent faculty, but does not focus on convergence with specific industrial fields like the AX Graduate School. In addition, Stanford University’s AI Research Institute conducts world-class research, but may have limitations in training talent specialized in the domestic AI industry.
Reliable Statistics
- According to a report by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP), the domestic AI workforce is expected to be short by up to 10,000 people by 2030.
- According to a survey by the Korea Information Society Development Institute (KISDI), the adoption rate of AI by domestic companies is still low, and the lack of AI experts is cited as a major difficulty.
- Global consulting firm PwC forecasts that AI technology will increase global GDP by 14% by 2030.
3 Steps to Take Now
- Check AX Graduate School Information: Carefully check the curriculum, eligibility requirements, etc. of the AX Graduate School and choose a field that suits you.
- Start Learning AI: Start building the AI-related knowledge required for admission to the AX Graduate School. You can use online courses, study groups, etc.
- Network with AI Experts: Interact with experts in the AI field, keep up with the latest trends, and seek advice on your career path.
1-Year Future Prediction
In one year, the AX Graduate School will have successfully opened, welcomed its first students, and begun full-scale AI convergence research through cooperation with various industrial fields. The performance of the AX Graduate School is expected to have a positive impact on the domestic AI industry as a whole.
