KASBA Conference Highlights AI-Driven Management Innovation
This week in Ulsan, South Korea, leading scholars and business executives gathered for the 27th Korean Academic Society of Business Administration (KASBA) Convergence Conference. The event centered on the theme “Value-Up Management Innovation in the AI Era,” focusing on practical strategies for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into corporate management and economic growth.
The conference brought together key figures such as KASBA President Yang Hee-dong, Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom, and executives from major organizations including Maeil Business Newspaper and Hana Financial Group.
Balancing AI, Data, and Human Talent
In his opening remarks, Yang Hee-dong emphasized the critical need for a balanced approach to AI adoption that combines investment in technology, data, and people. He described the event as a platform to develop “mega-management solutions” that address the challenges and opportunities AI presents for businesses and the economy.
Yang highlighted four core visions for future growth:
- Globalization
- Leadership
- Technological innovation
- Relationship-building
These pillars aim to position both Ulsan and South Korea as global leaders in AI-driven industries.
Industry-Academia Collaboration as a Growth Driver
Son Hyun-duk, CEO of Maeil Business Newspaper, stressed the importance of linking AI capabilities with domain expertise across various sectors. He called for strengthened cooperation between academic institutions and industry players to accelerate AI transformation in Korean companies.
Ulsan’s New Identity: From Industrial Hub to AI Capital
Ulsan’s mayor, Kim Doo-gyeom, positioned the city as a future-focused hub ready to lead in AI technologies. While historically known as Korea’s industrial capital—anchored by shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing, and petrochemicals—Ulsan is now expanding into emerging sectors such as AI, hydrogen energy, future mobility, and secondary batteries.
The city’s industrial complex, established in 1962, has contributed significantly to national development and boasts the highest per capita GDP in Korea outside Seoul. Mayor Kim declared Ulsan’s ambition to become “the capital of the AI era” and a leader in future industries.
Leadership Focus in the AI Era
Former LG Energy Solution Vice Chairman Kwon Young-soo delivered a keynote emphasizing that human-centered leadership remains paramount despite technological advances. He argued that winning employees’ trust is the CEO’s most important responsibility.
Kwon underscored the value of listening, empathy, and coaching as leadership essentials. Drawing from his experience with Apple, he recalled how Steve Jobs often chose to listen quietly in meetings, making employees feel respected and empowered—key drivers of creativity and innovation.
He concluded that while strategy, finance, and technology are important, it is people who ultimately drive company success. In the AI era, leadership that prioritizes human connection is more important than ever.
Practical Takeaways for Managers
- Invest in AI technologies while equally focusing on talent development and data management.
- Forge strong partnerships between industry and academia to apply AI effectively within specific business domains.
- Redefine organizational strategies to incorporate both technological innovation and human-centered leadership.
- Look to cities like Ulsan as models for integrating traditional industry strengths with emerging AI-driven sectors.
For management professionals interested in expanding their AI knowledge and skills, exploring targeted training can be valuable. Platforms like Complete AI Training offer curated courses designed to support practical AI adoption in business settings.
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