South Korea’s Digital Talent Expansion

To support this, South Korea plans to implement blockchain-based digital credentials to streamline the employment application process.

South Korea has recently declared its intention to furnish its populace with expertise in blockchain technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computation to enhance its digital economy.

The plan to introduce digital skills, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), will encompass five years and is intended to expand the talent pool. South Korea’s “Comprehensive Plan to Nurture Digital Talent” serves as its strategic blueprint to narrow the gap in emergent technology adoption relative to rival jurisdictions.

Approximately 99,000 individuals in South Korea possess digital expertise; however, several researchers anticipate increased demand for digital talent. In five years, the demand for personnel with digital expertise is projected to grow to 738,000 across multiple industries.

Even though South Korean administrators have several options, including allowing foreigners to enter through the floodgates, the government has stated that it will turn inward to satisfy the rising demand.

Training one million people is no easy task, but the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea has initiated the process with a strategic plan.

The initiative is expected to commence with a comprehensive reform of the academic curriculum across secondary and tertiary institutions in the United States.

The blueprint calls for including cybersecurity, blockchain, AI, and metaverse courses, with the possibility of earning bachelor’s or doctoral degrees in the respective fields.

Additionally, the strategy will incorporate “company-centric” training initiatives designed to serve as a conduit of talent for industry participants.

MSIT reports that “the [South Korean] government will expand digital education opportunities through the development of a variety of options, including mandatory coding courses and an increase in digital and information courses.” “Individuals will be subjected to routine digital capacity diagnosis tests, and digital literacy will be enhanced.”

Additionally, the ministry unveiled the government’s strategy to enhance “private-government” relations and provide financial assistance to exceptional students seeking advanced education in foreign jurisdictions.

Implementing Blockchain-Based Credentials in South Korea

In anticipation of the growing need for digital specialists, the government of South Korea has taken the initiative to implement blockchain-based digital credentials in light of the technology’s expanding applicability.

By electronically aggregating the applicant’s degrees and qualifications, the badges simplify the employment application process by eliminating the necessity for laborious documentation.

To support the new policy, the Science Ministry has enlisted the assistance of the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA), the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, and the Korea Employment Information Service.

Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho stated, “We will actively support and endeavor to ensure that the blockchain-based digital badge service provides tangible convenience and efficiency for citizens engaged in job-seeking activities.”