AI Innovation Ecosystem Crucial for National Competitiveness

The 2026 Technology Management and Economics Society (TMEES) summer conference successfully concluded its proceedings at the Maison Glad Hotel in Jeju from July 2nd to 4th. The event, led by the 35th TMEES President Professor Ahn Joon-mo of Korea University, focused on the critical role of AI in national competitiveness.

Under the theme 'Agentic AI and Innovation Ecosystem: From Manufacturing to Services,' the conference brought together approximately 1,000 experts from various sectors, including industry, academia, research, and government. These participants engaged in discussions and presentations across roughly 40 academic sessions, exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

The discussions highlighted the growing importance of an integrated innovation ecosystem that bridges both manufacturing and service industries. The focus on 'agentic AI' suggests an exploration of AI systems capable of autonomous action and decision-making, and how these systems can drive innovation across diverse economic fields. The event underscored the belief that the strength and sophistication of such an ecosystem will be a key determinant of a nation's future competitiveness on the global stage.