Science ministry launches task force to speed up AI public services

The science ministry said Wednesday it has established a new task force to rapidly develop and deploy artificial intelligence services, citing surging demand for AI-based public solutions as the primary driver for the move.

Created under a prime ministerial decree issued in late July, the Citizen AI Service Innovation Task Force will coordinate data sharing across central ministries, local governments and industry stakeholders. To support this integration, the unit will operate policy consultative bodies with government officials and a public-private council to gather input from industry experts and civic groups on technology trends.

To staff the initiative, the ministry will open recruitment Sept. 2 for 26 private-sector experts specializing in AI service planning and development. The selection process includes document screening and interviews, with final results expected later in the month. The ministry will also run an email helpdesk for applicants and post FAQs on its official blog regarding work conditions and terms.

"If the past year laid the foundation for leaping forward as an AI powerhouse, now is the time to show results through services people feel in their everyday lives," said Bae Kyung-hoon, deputy prime minister and minister of science and ICT. He added that the task force represents a new attempt to have private experts build AI services within the government.