JEJU — Kim Ki-mun, chairman of the Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ), called on smaller companies to move aggressively into artificial intelligence, warning that a widening gap in AI adoption between large firms and small and medium-sized enterprises could deepen economic polarization. He also said SMEs must join forces to help South Korea become one of the world's top three AI powers.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 SME Leaders Forum at Lotte Hotel Jeju on the 20th, Kim said many voices are warning that the AI gap between large companies and SMEs will further accelerate polarization. "It is time for SMEs as well to recognize the need for AI and begin in stages," he said. Kim also urged an active role for smaller firms in the country's push to join the top three AI nations. "This is an extremely important period, because if our country fails to enter the top three in AI now, we have no choice but to fall behind, so we must all pull together and prepare well," he said.
National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik and Prime Minister Han Seong-sook delivered congratulatory remarks by video at the ceremony. "SME exports reached a record high of $64 billion in the first half of 2026, showing their underlying strength," Cho said. "As global industry undergoes a rapid paradigm shift centered on AI, I hope this forum serves as a time to find AI solutions for our country's SMEs." Han said that innovation in South Korea can only be achieved if SMEs — which account for 99% of the country's businesses and 80% of its employment — achieve AI innovation. "We will further widen opportunities for SMEs to take part in various projects, including the three mega projects, and create an innovation ecosystem in which we grow together," she said.
Now in its 19th year, the SME Leaders Forum runs for four days through the 23rd under the theme "With SMEs, Toward the Top Three in AI." Some 400 heads of SMEs from industry sectors and regions across the country are attending to explore innovation and growth strategies for smaller firms in the AI era. A lecture by novelist Kim Hong-shin titled "You'll Know When You've Been Through It — Just Live" was also held that day. On the 21st, one of the forum's main events, a "Discussion on Innovation Strategies for SMEs in the Physical AI Era," will bring together experts from business, government and academia, including Kim and Park Young-sun, chair of the strategic economic advisory group at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.