Executive Summary
Artificial Intelligence (AI), as a general-purpose technology akin to the steam engine,
electricity, and the internet, holds the potential to bring fundamental changes across industry
and society. However, technology itself cannot realize economic value; a commercialization
process to translate it into tangible products or services is essential. In high-tech sectors
such as AI, a deep technical understanding and professional expertise are critical factors for
successful commercialization. In fact, most successful AI startups are founded by high-level
AI talents, often with master's or doctoral degrees, who demonstrate strong entrepreneurship.
This paper proposes the necessity of nurturing 'entrepreneurial AI talents'—individuals
who leverage their specialized AI knowledge and skills to pursue new business
opportunities. To date, Korea's AI talent policy has primarily focused on training
researchers, securing high-level research personnel, and meeting industrial labor
demands. We argue that this policy orientation must be expanded to include the
'entrepreneur' as a key career path—an economic agent who creates new markets and
quality jobs through the commercialization of innovation and new technology.
Analysis of foreign (EU, US, China) and domestic policy cases reveals a common goal:
encouraging high-level science and technology talents to choose the 'entrepreneur' career
path, thereby transforming innovative research into economic and social value. These policies
promote the acquisition of entrepreneurship through practical experiences such as startup
internships, competitions, short-term overseas training, industry-academia projects, and
specialized support for new ventures. Several cases also foster this environment by
integrating entrepreneurship education directly into graduate-level curricula. Notably, these
education-focused policies emphasize the development of entrepreneurial capabilities as a
key performance outcome, rather than narrowly focusing on the number of startups created.
In conclusion, policy for nurturing entrepreneurial AI talents must be designed to expand
the career paths of high-level AI talent, moving beyond simple startup support.
Furthermore, a mission-oriented approach is required, focusing on creating an ecosystem
that fosters entrepreneurship, rather than being limited to an educational perspective.
Ultimately, this paper proposes establishing a national vision for 'realizing an
entrepreneurial AI state,' where AI-based entrepreneurial activity drives economic growth.
A comprehensive national strategy must be planned and executed to achieve this vision.