Ulsan, South Korea’s industrial capital, is transforming from a national model centered on heavy and chemical industries to a digitally advanced city using artificial intelligence (AI). The Ulsan Free Economic Zone Authority (UFEZA) announced on Monday that it will completely review the existing three-major strategic industry framework centered on automobiles, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals, and begin reorganization into a four-strategic industry framework centered on AI.
The highlight of this review is the establishment of a new “AI application industry association.” The new industrial map drawn by UFEZA will be reorganized into environmentally friendly mobility, advanced chemical new materials, clean energy, and AI applied industries.
What stands out is the focus on substantial “digital convergence.” The newly included sectors (software development, data processing, systems integration, engineering and research and development) are expected to maximize synergies by layering AI intelligence on top of Ulsan’s strong manufacturing base.
Behind Ulsan’s swift moves are urgent demands for change from the industrial world. As the global industrial paradigm has recently been reshaped around decarbonization and digital convergence, structural improvements have become a survival requirement for Ulsan. The high level of private demand for the “AI/Energy Port District,” which was observed in the recent examination of additional designation candidate sites, confirms the strong investment appetite of companies.
However, challenges remain, such as securing highly specialized human resources and disseminating the introduction of AI to small and medium-sized enterprises. In response, UFEZA is preparing to develop human resources through industry-academia research collaboration. Through the “Industrial AI Master’s Program” at UNIST’s Novatas Graduate School, the authority aims to develop customized AI talent with practical skills, ease recruitment difficulties and accelerate digital transformation.
UFEZA will complete industry opinion gathering and research in May, and will submit an application to revise the core strategic industries after preliminary consultation with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
UFEZA Director Lee Kyung-sik said, “This review is not just about adding a few industries.” “This is a fundamental structural improvement work aimed at accelerating the wise transition of Ulsan’s key industries and building its competitiveness in the global market.”
