In an effort to improve the digital economy, South Korea has announced plans to equip its citizens with skills in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and blockchain technology.
The program to introduce digital skills will last for five years and aims to deepen the talent pool, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Science, Information and Communication Technology (MSIT). The “Comprehensive Program for Digital Talent Development” is South Korea’s trump card to catch up with other competing countries in emerging technologies.
Currently, about 99,000 people in South Korea have digital skills, but some researchers predict a surge in demand for digital talent. Across several verticals, the demand for digital talent is expected to soar to 738,000 within five years.
While South Korean managers have several options, including opening the floodgates for foreigners to meet the demand, the government says it will look domestically to meet the growing demand.
Training 1 million people is never easy, but South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (Ministry of Science and ICT) has launched a blueprint. The government says it will begin by overhauling the educational curriculum for students in the nation’s high schools and colleges.
The blueprint will introduce courses in blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual worlds and cybersecurity, and students will be able to earn bachelor’s or doctoral degrees in the field. It will also introduce “company-centric” training programs aimed at providing a talent pipeline for industry players.
“The Korean government will expand digital education opportunities by increasing digital and information courses, mandatory coding courses, and other options,” the company said. According to MSIT. “Diagnostic tests on digital competence will be conducted regularly for adults to improve digital literacy.”
The Ministry of Education also unveiled the government’s plans to improve “civil government” relations, while supporting outstanding students to receive further training in other jurisdictions.
Introducing digital badges
The Korean government has seized the initiative to introduce blockchain-based digital badges ahead of the expected demand for digital specialists, and the technology’s applications are expanding. These badges are designed to streamline the application process by electronically pooling applicants’ degrees and qualifications, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork.
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has hired the Korea Employment Information Agency (KEIA), the Korea Human Resources Promotion Agency (KHRPA), and the Korea Cyber Security Promotion Agency (KCPA) to support the new policy.
Lee Jong-ho, Minister of Science, Information and Communication Technology, said, “We will actively support and work to ensure that the blockchain-based digital badge service provides tangible convenience and efficiency for citizens engaged in job-seeking activities.”
