Publications
Global Center for Development and Strategy
Publications
[G-CODEs Brief] Korea as an AI Bridge Power: Building Frontier Capacity through International Partnerships
- Admin
- 2026.10.23.
- 73
■ Title: Korea as an AI Bridge Power: Building Frontier Capacity through International Partnerships
■ Overview
As frontier AI capabilities become increasingly concentrated in the United States and China, Korea faces the challenge of reducing the risks of dependence on foreign technologies while strengthening its strategic position through international cooperation. This policy brief describes “AI bridge powers” as countries with established AI research, industrial, and governance capabilities that lack the scale to independently shape frontier AI development. It examines how Korea can draw on its strengths in AI semiconductors and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to coordinate cooperation among countries with complementary capabilities.
The brief compares Korea with France, Germany, Japan, and Singapore across four dimensions: computing infrastructure, data, AI talent, and governance implementation. It proposes a strategy that combines domestic capacity and control in strategically important areas with international partnerships where greater scale and cross-border coordination are needed. Key recommendations include expanding access to computing resources, making public data more usable for AI training, developing and attracting AI talent while supporting retention, and providing clear implementation guidance and compliance support for Korea’s AI Basic Act.
The brief also calls for institutionalizing cooperation on joint investment, research and talent exchange, standards, and safety evaluations to translate Korea’s industrial strengths into greater influence in global AI governance. It emphasizes public procurement, shared computing resources, and university–industry collaboration to ensure that the benefits extend across Korea’s AI ecosystem, including universities, SMEs, and startups.
■ Authors: Damian Bank, Research Professor, KAIST G-CODEs; Ryanna Saidnattar, Ph.D. Student, Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy, KAIST; Anissa Paulina Tammaoui, Master’s Student, Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy, KAIST
■ About the Authors
Damian Bank is a Research Professor at the KAIST Global Center for Development and Strategy (G-CODEs), where his research focuses on AI governance and human-centered AI. His broader interests include global governance, technopolitics, digital rights, and the evolving role of technology in global society.
Ryanna Saidnattar is a Ph.D. student in Science and Technology Policy at KAIST, researching digital and AI sovereignty. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Law from Université Paris-Cité and dual master’s degrees in Technology Management from Institut Mines-Télécom and KAIST.
Anissa Paulina Tammaoui is a master’s student in Science and Technology Policy at KAIST, focusing on AI governance, digital sovereignty, and developing economies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology from Heidelberg University and has also studied at Sciences Po and the University of South Florida.
■ Suggested Citation
Bank, D., Saidnattar, R., & Tammaoui, A. P. (2026). Korea as an AI Bridge Power: Building Frontier Capacity through International Partnerships (G-CODEs Policy Brief No. 003). KAIST Global Center for Development and Strategy (G-CODEs).
■ ISSN: 3092-3905 (Online) / 3140-0817 (Print)
