Korea has only 0.5 percent of the world’s specialized AI talent. Out of 30 countries, Korea placed only 22nd in AI talent retention.
The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) released a report on AI Talent Acquisition Strategies and Implications for Korea, the United States and China on Nov. 20. The report was written by Park Dong, a senior research fellow at the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET).
The report cited the 2020 Global AI Talent Report released by AI research firm Element AI, which revealed that the number of specialized AI talent worldwide in 2020 was 477,956. The United States accounted for the largest share at 39.4 percent (188,300), followed by India with 15.9 percent (76,213), the United Kingdom at 7.4 percent (35,401), and China at 4.6 percent (21,191). Korea had 2,551, or 0.5 percent of the total.
“The United States has the largest number of top colleges and universities, research institutes, and companies in AI, and two-thirds of its master’s and doctoral degree candidates in the United States are international students,” the report said. In fact, according to the Stanford Human-Centered AI Index, the share of international students in computer science was 68.6 percent for PhD degrees and 65.2 percent for master’s degrees as of 2021, and that share is on the rise.
The U.S. has in place the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program that allows international students to work temporarily for up to 36 months after earning their degrees, creating a virtuous cycle that encourages international students to work in the United States after graduation. According to the Center for Security and Emerging Technologies, 82 to 92 percent of AI Ph.D. students in the United States stay in the country for the first five years after graduation.
The United States is also expanding basic AI education. Since 2021, with the Computer Science for All Initiative of 2021, nearly all U.S. states have strengthened computer education. Five of them -- Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Nebraska -- have made computer education mandatory.
China has also made information technology courses must-attend courses at elementary, middle and high schools since 2001. In 2018, it developed the world’s first AI textbook and implemented compulsory AI education for the entire life cycle. It also provides full support by providing special incomes and incentives to secure world-class talent.
The report suggests building a government-wide control tower, strengthening basic AI education at elementary, middle, and high schools, and laying the foundation for recruiting overseas talent.