South Korea unveils strategy to strengthen role in global AI supply chains
New initiatives position South Korea as a key player in the global AI supply chain.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has unveiled the San Francisco AI Declaration, setting out a strategy to strengthen South Korea’s role in global AI supply chains through international partnerships, investment and wider adoption of AI technologies.
Speaking at the San Francisco AI Summit, Lee said South Korea aims to become a global AI production hub by accelerating AI deployment across the economy and expanding international cooperation.
The declaration also outlines plans to strengthen the domestic AI market while positioning the country as an attractive partner for global technology companies and investors.
According to Lee, South Korea will pursue broad international partnerships while seeking to accelerate AI adoption and strengthen its position within the global AI ecosystem.
The summit brought together more than 230 participants, including executives from Nvidia, OpenAI, Anthropic, Broadcom, Samsung Electronics, SK Group, Hyundai Motor Group and Naver, alongside investors, researchers and startup founders.
According to the Presidential Office, Korean and international companies agreed to pursue joint initiatives, including semiconductor cooperation reportedly valued at US$950 billion, as well as projects involving AI data centres and physical AI technologies.
Lee also met with leading Silicon Valley venture capital firms to encourage greater investment cooperation between South Korea and the United States.
During the visit, South Korea’s National Pension Service signed memorandums of understanding with six venture capital firms, including Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst and Sequoia Capital, to expand investment in Korean startups and support future cross-border investment opportunities.
Why does it matter?
The declaration reflects South Korea’s ambition to move beyond its traditional role as a semiconductor manufacturer and become a broader AI innovation and investment hub. Rather than focusing solely on domestic AI development, the strategy emphasises international partnerships, cross-border investment and integration into global AI supply chains.
The initiative also illustrates how competition over AI increasingly extends beyond model development to include infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, venture capital and international economic diplomacy. Governments are increasingly using industrial policy and strategic partnerships to secure long-term positions within the global AI ecosystem.
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