Korea’s Digital Government towards the Sustainable Digital Economy (Korea)

Arguments

The project review and implementation process takes too long and aspects may become irrelevant due to technological advancements in the digitalization sector.

Supporting facts:

• Takes around two years to prepare, assess, and then start the implementation

• Several digital projects in Tajikistan are implemented in collaboration with COICA and the Korean government

Topics: Digitalization, Project Review, Project Implementation, International Cooperation

Korean government has possibly developed API integration standards to facilitate business integration.

Topics: API integration standards, Digitalization, Korean government, business integration

There is a lack of coordination and harmonization among different governmental departments when it comes to digital policies.

Topics: Digital Economy, E-Procurement, Content Moderation, Competition, Data Privacy

The audience wants to know if the Korean government is concerned about AI replacing people or if they view it as a chance

Topics: Korean Government, AI, Job displacement

Report

The project review and implementation process in the digitalization sector has been criticised for being slow, which may lead to potential irrelevance due to rapid technological advancements. It typically takes around two years to prepare, assess, and start implementing digital projects, compromising their effectiveness in the fast-paced digital world.

Collaborative efforts between Tajikistan, the Coalition of International Cooperation for Afghanistan (COICA), and the Korean government have resulted in the implementation of various digital projects. However, there are concerns that other donors are able to fund and execute similar projects more quickly.

The Korean government, renowned for its expertise in the digitalization sector, has possibly developed API integration standards to facilitate business integration. Ruth Baitsepi, the head of the Digitalization and Innovation Hub at the Bank of Botswana, is interested in the prospect of the Korean government sharing these standards with other jurisdictions, such as Botswana, to enhance business integration and foster economic growth.

However, there is a worrying lack of coordination and harmonization among different governmental departments when it comes to digital policies. This lack of coordination hampers the effective implementation and enforcement of digital regulations. Countries like Korea and India are creating their own laws to regulate various aspects of the digital economy; however, they face challenges in harmonising these laws across departments.

This lack of coordination may undermine the effectiveness of digital policies and hinder the growth and development of the digital economy. The audience is curious about the Korean government’s stance on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on employment.

It is unclear whether the Korean government views AI as a potential threat, leading to job displacement, or if they perceive it as an opportunity for economic growth and the creation of new job roles. In summary, there is a need to address the slow project review and implementation process in the digitalization sector to prevent potential irrelevance due to technological advancements.

Greater coordination and harmonization among different governmental departments are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of digital policies and regulations. Furthermore, there is a need for clarity on the Korean government’s perspective regarding AI and its potential impact on employment.

Arguments

MyData in the public sector provides citizens’ administrative information held by administrative public institutions

Supporting facts:

• The service adheres to Article 20 of the EU GDPR, the right to data portability

• The Civil Partitions Treatment Act and Electronic Government Act protect citizens’ rights to transfer their data

Topics: Data Management, Digital Government

The number of services utilizing APIs for MyData in the public sector is rapidly increasing

Supporting facts:

• As of now, there are 101 types of services that use the APIs

• The services are mainly in administrative, public, and financial institutions

Topics: APIs, Data Transfer

MyData in the public sector is contributing to innovation and new data-driven industries

Supporting facts:

• Automating service providers’ processing of tasks allows room for innovation

• It helps to increase activities and contributes to new industries using data

Topics: Data-Driven Innovation, Digital Economy

Mr. Yang plans to increase services that use public MyData by conducting demand surveys on administrative agencies, public institutions, and private sector entities.

Supporting facts:

• Public MyData is in its initial stage

• Expansion of personal information is being considered

Topics: Public MyData, Demand Surveys, Digital Services

AI could be a threat or an opportunity depending on how it’s used

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Employment

Report

The implementation of MyData in the public sector has been widely regarded as a positive move. This digital service aims to provide citizens with control over their data held by administrative public institutions. It adheres to Article 20 of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring citizens’ right to data portability.

Legislation, such as the Civil Partitions Treatment Act and the Electronic Government Act, safeguards citizens’ rights to transfer their data. One of the key benefits of MyData in the public sector is the increase in convenience and efficiency for citizens.

It allows individuals to have secure control over their own data and enhances the convenience of using various services. This streamlines processes and reduces bureaucratic hurdles. The automatic processing rate has shown a significant 11% increase, leading to accelerated task processing.

Furthermore, the implementation of MyData in the public sector fosters innovation and drives the development of new data-driven industries. Automating service providers’ processing tasks creates room for innovation, increases activities, and supports the emergence of new industries that thrive on data.

APIs play a crucial role in MyData, with 101 types of services utilizing them. These services are mainly offered by administrative, public, and financial institutions. The increasing adoption of APIs reflects the rapid expansion and integration of MyData into various sectors, supporting the development of a data-driven society.

Regarding public MyData, expansion plans are underway to amplify the scope and reach of the initiative. Demand surveys targeting administrative agencies, public institutions, and private sector entities are being conducted to expand personal information and ensure that more individuals can benefit from secure data access and management.

Shifting focus to Artificial Intelligence (AI), a neutral stance is observed. The way AI is utilized can determine whether it becomes a threat or an opportunity. While acknowledging its potential to enhance productivity and drive innovation, concerns exist regarding its impact on employment and societal well-being.

Responsible use of AI is essential to harness its full potential while mitigating negative consequences. In conclusion, the implementation of MyData in the public sector has proven to be a positive development. It offers citizens control over their data, enhances convenience, and aligns with privacy and data protection principles.

Additionally, MyData contributes to innovation by enabling automation and generating new opportunities in data-driven industries. As adoption continues to expand, further advancements in the public sector and a more efficient and citizen-centric digital society are expected.

Arguments

CONAPS is an effective tool for countermeasure against collusion and corruption, saving 8 trillion won a year by shifting to electronic procurement

Supporting facts:

• CONAPS stands for Korea Online E-Procurement System

• CONAPS started operating in 2002

• CONAPS has been counted as an effective tool against collusion and corruption, through transparent and accountable procedures for public procurement

• CONAPS has developed its functionality to become a non-contact and paperless procurement platform

Topics: CONAPS, E-procurement

Next generation CONAPS focuses on enhancing user experiences of procurement officials and suppliers

Supporting facts:

• CONAPS provides a personalized dashboard, consolidating user tasks and automatically generating to-do lists

• CONAPS will provide the same experiences with mobile devices to minimize unnecessary meetings in person

Topics: CONAPS, User Experience

One of the NextConnex’s biggest challenges is the integration of 25 different procurement systems

Supporting facts:

• There are 25 procurement systems in Korea, maintained by different public organisations and government-owned companies

• The Public Procurement Service believes that digitization of public procurement will be definitely finalised at the same level of the NextConnex

Topics: CONAPS, E-procurement, Integration

Becoming data hub in public procurement is another ambitious goal of the development phase

Supporting facts:

• Accessibility of public procurement data will be dramatically enhanced by integrating isolated e-procurement systems and databases

• Benefit of having a data hub would be the fact that full potential of procurement data to assist in purchasing decisions and procurement policies

Topics: Data Hub, Public Procurement

Integration of decentralized procurement systems takes a considerable amount of time and effort

Supporting facts:

• Spent few years to make stakeholders understand the need for integration

• Endless trials and reports were key to progress

Topics: public procurement system, integration, decentralized procurement systems

Communication with stakeholders is essential for successful integration

Supporting facts:

• Setting a practical goal is the first step

• Required support from government, inter-government, and broader government organizations

Topics: public procurement system, integration, stakeholder communication

Standardizing information from other agencies has been a difficult task in public procurement systems.

Supporting facts:

• They have been operating the data hub system for a decade.

• Effort is made to persuade Congress to make a law to provide a regulations to gather other agencies’ data.

• Investment is needed to build their system to technically collect the data and provide set of standards.

Topics: Public Procurement System, Data Collection, Data Standardization

Report

The CONAPS, also known as the Korea Online E-Procurement System, is an effective tool for combating collusion and corruption in public procurement. By shifting to electronic procurement, it has managed to save a staggering 8 trillion won annually. The system has been in operation since 2002 and has continuously evolved to become a non-contact and paperless platform.

The next generation of CONAPS focuses on enhancing user experiences for procurement officials and suppliers. It provides a personalized dashboard that consolidates user tasks and generates to-do lists. Additionally, it aims to offer the same user experiences on mobile devices, minimizing the need for in-person meetings.

However, integrating 25 different procurement systems is a significant challenge for CONAPS. In Korea, multiple public organizations and government-owned companies maintain these systems. The Public Procurement Service believes that digitizing public procurement will eventually lead to the integration of these systems, reaching the same level of functionality as the NextConnex.

Integrating these systems brings significant benefits, including improved accessibility to public procurement data. By combining isolated systems and databases, a data hub can be created. This data hub optimizes procurement decisions and policies by leveraging the full potential of procurement data.

The development phase of CONAPS emphasizes the use of emerging technologies like AI and Blockchain. These technologies offer innovative solutions for public procurement, with AI models like ChatGPT and BART enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Blockchain technology provides stronger protection against forgery and alteration of important contract documents.

While integrating decentralized procurement systems is essential, it is a time-consuming and challenging process. Stakeholders need to understand the need for integration, and various trials and reports are necessary. Despite the difficulties, stakeholders continue to advocate for integration due to the potential benefits it brings.

Another significant challenge in public procurement systems is the standardization of information from other agencies. This requires legislative and technical efforts, including persuading Congress to pass laws to gather data and developing a data hub system. To summarize, CONAPS has effectively combated collusion and corruption in public procurement.

Shifting to electronic procurement has resulted in substantial savings, while the system continues to evolve for better user experiences. The integration of procurement systems and the standardization of information are ongoing challenges, but they bring potential benefits. The use of emerging technologies further enhances the capabilities of the system.

Arguments

Unipass is an e-clearance system developed by KCS

Supporting facts:

• Unipass has been in operation for over 50 years, since 1974

• Unipass operates 24 hours a day, all year round

• Unipass manages comprehensive rate on companies, cargo tax, foreign exchange, passengers, and e-commerce

Topics: e-Customs Clearance System, Korean Customs Service, Unipass

KCS is looking forward to incorporating new technologies like AI and big data into Unipass

Supporting facts:

• KCS aims to develop an AI-powered automatic risk selectivity system and an AI-powered X-ray imaging interpretation system

• KCS has trained 115 customs officials to become data scientists since 2017

Topics: Korean Customs Service, AI, Big data, Unipass

Adapting new technologies in systems like Unipass requires three key aspects

Supporting facts:

• Unipass has a long history of about 50 years

• Unipass functionalities range from customs clearance to tax collection

• Unipass is used by foreign agencies

Topics: Unipass, Technology Adaptation, Success Tips

It takes a long time to export the Unipass and other systems to other countries, which makes it challenging to adjust to new emerging technologies

Supporting facts:

• The ODA project process is lengthy and usually takes about two years

• The adoption of new systems is challenging due to the constant development of IT technologies

• A process is in place to design the system based on the specific needs and conditions of the recipient countries

Topics: Unipass system, technology adoption, ODA project

The Korean government is developing a standard for API by types of services for internal use.

Supporting facts:

• The API is implemented in various services

• The government does not publicize it because the API standard varies greatly by service

Topics: API, Korean Government, Development

Importance of laws in building digital government

Supporting facts:

• Each ministry has their own law

• Digital government articles need to be included in these laws or a new unified law needs to be created

Topics: Digital government, Law making, Inter-ministerial coordination

Report

Unipass, an e-clearance system developed by the Korean Customs Service (KCS), has been in operation since 1974, providing round-the-clock services to facilitate customs processes. It manages tasks such as customs clearance, tax collection, foreign exchange, passengers, and e-commerce. The implementation of Unipass has significantly improved efficiency, reducing customs clearance time from 9.6 to 1.3 days.

KCS is looking to incorporate AI and big data into Unipass, leading to further enhancements. Unipass has also proven successful in increasing revenue for implementing countries, with examples such as Ghana experiencing a 33% growth and Tanzania reducing average clearance time from 31 to 15 days.

However, adapting new technologies like Unipass requires careful planning and an outstanding leader who can adapt to IT trends. Exporting Unipass and other systems can be a lengthy process, presenting challenges in adjusting to emerging technologies. The Korean government is working towards establishing a unified API standard for internal use, but is currently facing challenges due to the variety of services.

Additionally, the importance of laws and regulations in building a digital government is emphasized, as ministries are more likely to comply with digital government directives when supported by appropriate laws. Overall, Unipass serves as a testament to the benefits and challenges of incorporating innovative technologies into customs operations.

Arguments

Improvement of digital government services is a key priority

Supporting facts:

• Four Korean Government speakers presenting on Public MyData, Opening Digital Services, Electronic Customs Clearance System, Electronic Procurement System

Topics: Digital Services, Private and Public Collaboration, Digital Government

Chang-Young Yang is the first speaker

Supporting facts:

• He is the Senior Deputy Director of the Public AI Policy Division from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. He leads Public MyData and electronic certificate projects.

Topics: Chang-Young Yang, Public MyData

Sung-Tae Kim is the second speaker

Supporting facts:

• Deputy Director of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, he manages policy and operation of opening digital services

• Serves in the Public Service Innovation Division

Topics: Sung-Tae Kim, Digital Services

Kidong Kim is the third speaker

Supporting facts:

• Director of the ICT and Data Planning Division at the Korea Customs Service

Topics: Kidong Kim, Customs Service Digitalization, ICT

Heon-Woo Lee is the fourth speaker

Supporting facts:

• Works as a second-D in ICT’s TMI section, Former Senior Deputy Director of the ICT and Data Planning Division in the PPS

Topics: Heon-Woo Lee, Procurement System Digitalization, ICT

Plans to increase services that use public MyData

Supporting facts:

• The expansion will be conducted via demand surveys on administrative agencies, public institutions, and other entities

• Relevant services would be identified independently

Topics: Public Data Use, Service Expansion

Sunkyung Kim finds it interesting to conduct demand surveys directly with other agencies for service development

Supporting facts:

• Sunkyung Kim appreciates the initiative of conducting demand surveys with administrative agencies, public institutions, and other entities

• The strategy also involves developing independent surveys

Topics: Public Data Use, Survey Conduct

Unipass, South Korea’s digital service, has a long history and offers many functions including customs clearance and tax collection.

Supporting facts:

• Unipass has a history of about 50 years.

• Unipass is used both domestically and by foreign agencies.

Topics: Unipass, digital service, South Korea, customs clearance, tax collection

Integration of decentralized procurement systems

Supporting facts:

• Mentioned on page number 10

• These organizations such as local government and government operating enterprises follow the initiative of integrating procurement systems

Topics: Public Procurement System, Decentralized Systems, Local Government

Report

During a presentation by Korean government speakers, the key priority of improving digital government services was highlighted. Chang-Young Yang, the first speaker, leads projects related to Public MyData and electronic certificates, aiming to enhance access to and utilization of public data.

Sung-Tae Kim, the second speaker, manages the policy and operation of opening digital services to ensure their accessibility and benefit to the public. Kidong Kim, the Director of the ICT and Data Planning Division at the Korea Customs Service, specializes in the digitalization of customs services, including electronic customs clearance.

Heon-Woo Lee, the fourth speaker, has valuable insights into the digitalization of government procurement processes from his experience in the ICT and Data Planning Division. These speakers collectively promote private-public collaboration in digitalization, indicative of a coordinated approach within the Korean government.

The Korean government plans to increase services using public MyData and conducts demand surveys with administrative agencies and public institutions to identify specific services that can effectively leverage public data. Sunkyung Kim appreciates the strategy of conducting demand surveys directly with other agencies, fostering collaboration and gathering insights for service development.

The Korean government aims to expand the digital services spectrum, exploring the introduction of flight booking services similar to high-speed train booking. One noteworthy digital service in South Korea is Unipass, which has a long history spanning over 50 years. Unipass offers various functions, including customs clearance and tax collection, and is used domestically and by foreign agencies.

Sunkyung Kim seeks advice on managing and improving the Unipass system beyond national boundaries. Addressing challenges associated with operating Unipass and other digital systems requires successful management strategies. In addition to digital services, there is an initiative to integrate decentralized procurement systems, with local government and government operating enterprises following this approach.

This alignment aims to streamline procurement processes and improve efficiency. The Korean government’s digitalization efforts prioritize enhancing digital government services through private-public collaboration, expanding services using public MyData, and addressing challenges in digital systems like Unipass. These efforts contribute to creating a more efficient and accessible digital landscape in Korea.

Arguments

The Korean government announces the new vision of digital platform government

Supporting facts:

• The Korean government has been working with the private sectors to foster an ecosystem for digital innovations

• It is one of the key projects on the digital platform government action to action plan jointly formulated with the digital platform government committee

Topics: Public Service Innovation Division, Korean digital service

Private sector platforms allow users to access various service with a single tap

Supporting facts:

• The old vaccination booking system had various issues with connection failures due to a massive number of simultaneous users

Topics: Public-private digital service integration, APIs

Citizens will have better lives with proactive and personalized service

Supporting facts:

• In the future, the government plans to offer over 220 digital services through private service

• The aim is to improve the efficiency of public service, and allow people to access service they need anywhere, anytime

Topics: Digital service platform, Citizen satisfaction

Flight booking is a service provided by a private sector business in South Korea

Topics: flight booking, private sector, digital services, South Korea

The opening of a digital service is aimed at leaving private sector service to the market and opening public service to private sector business to create new opportunities for them.

Topics: digital services, private sector, public service, market, new opportunities

Report

The Korean government recently announced a new vision for a digital platform government, aiming to enhance accessibility and satisfaction with services. Working collaboratively with private sectors, they are determined to foster an ecosystem for digital innovations. This collaborative effort is a crucial part of the government’s digital platform government action plan, formulated jointly with the digital platform government committee.

One of the main objectives of this new vision is to improve convenience for users by allowing them to access various services with just a single tap. The previous vaccination booking system, for instance, faced numerous issues due to connection failures caused by the overwhelming number of simultaneous users.

However, with the opening of digital services to private sector platforms, users now have the benefit of accessing services through familiar and user-friendly apps and websites. This improves convenience and enhances stability and reliability. Furthermore, the opening of digital services is not limited to benefiting users alone.

Businesses can also take advantage of this opportunity to link their services with open digital platforms, creating a synergistic effect that fosters integrated service provision. This opens up new and innovative business opportunities for enterprises, ultimately contributing to economic growth and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8).

Another significant outcome of this new vision is the increased accessibility and satisfaction with services provided by each agent involved. By leveraging open digital service platforms, the government can ensure that citizens have easy access to the services they need, anywhere and anytime.

This improved accessibility and satisfaction, in turn, contribute to creating a more transparent and open government, aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16). Looking towards the future, the government has plans to offer over 220 digital services through private platforms.

This initiative is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of public services while also providing citizens with proactive and personalised services. This move aligns with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals 3 (SDG 3) and 11 (SDG 11), which aim to promote well-being and sustainable cities and communities.

It is noteworthy that the opening of digital services also encompasses the airline industry in South Korea. Flight booking services, for instance, are provided by private sector businesses. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to leaving private sector services to the market while opening up public services to private sector businesses, creating new opportunities for them.

This approach aligns with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals 8 (SDG 8) and 9 (SDG 9), which focus on economic growth, industry, innovation, and infrastructure. In conclusion, the Korean government’s new vision for a digital platform government is set to revolutionise the accessibility and satisfaction of services.

Through collaboration with private sectors, they aim to foster an ecosystem for digital innovations, enhancing convenience and stability for users. Businesses, too, stand to benefit from this initiative through the creation of new opportunities for integrated service provision. With a positive sentiment towards the opening of digital services, citizens can look forward to improved efficiency and proactive, personalised services that contribute to their overall well-being.