Nations Push for AI Independence Amid Superpower Rivalry
As the competition between the U.S. and China for dominance in artificial intelligence intensifies, countries worldwide are striving to develop their own AI capabilities to reduce reliance on these superpowers. South Korea, with its advanced tech sector, is at the forefront of this movement, aiming to achieve a high degree of autonomy in AI.
South Korea’s Strategic Push
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating that delay could result in falling behind by an entire generation. The country is investing heavily in building a localized AI infrastructure, including large language models, semiconductor manufacturing, cloud storage, and nurturing domestic talent. The government plans to triple its AI development budget to approximately $6.8 billion next year.
South Korea’s efforts are supported by its strong tech industry, with companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix leading the way. The country has also secured a deal to procure 260,000 advanced GPUs from Nvidia, which will be used in government-led data centers and by local software giants. Additionally, Korean conglomerates such as Samsung, Hyundai, and SK are investing in AI data centers, chips, and AI-based manufacturing.
Global Movements Towards AI Sovereignty
Other countries are also making strides in developing their AI capabilities. France and Germany have collaborated to launch a sovereign AI platform to protect European data. The U.K. has established a sovereign AI unit to attract investments and support local startups. India is working on its own foundational AI model and expanding domestic computing capacity. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have received approval to purchase advanced AI chips from the U.S.
Challenges and Prospects
However, countries face challenges such as securing sufficient power for data centers and navigating the dominance of U.S. technologies in the AI sector. Despite these obstacles, South Korea’s efforts could serve as a benchmark for other nations aiming for AI independence.
