[DigitalToday reporter Jin-ho Lee (이진호)] The Korea Artificial Intelligence & Software Industry Association (KOSA) has been officially designated as a statutory body covering the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, in addition to software (SW), raising its profile as a group representing the country's IT industry.

According to the industry on Feb. 26, the Ministry of Science and ICT recently posted a notice designating KOSA as the Korea AI Promotion Association under the Basic AI Act. Article 26 of the act stipulates that an association can be designated to promote AI development and use, advance industry and technology, and carry out education and publicity. KOSA received approval from the ministry after completing the application process.

Founded in 1988, KOSA has acted as a group representing the domestic IT industry. It became a statutory body in 1996 under the Software Development Promotion Act. Last year, it changed its name from the Korea Software Industry Association to its current name in response to the shift toward a major AI transition.

With the AI promotion association designation, KOSA has established a dual statutory framework representing both software and AI. The move is especially symbolic because it secures official status as an AI association based on law. Its role is expected to expand further in step with major policies the government is pursuing, including development of an independent AI foundation model, expansion of AI infrastructure and setting trust and safety standards.

An industry official said, "Recently, IT-related groups are putting AI at the forefront, but a statutory body carries a different weight," adding, "KOSA's next moves will pick up speed."

KOSA has already carried out a range of activities in the AI sector. In 2023, it launched the private-sector-led Council for Promoting Hyper-Scale AI. The council has now established itself as a consultative body bringing together about 150 AI specialist companies. Late last year, it formed the K-AI full-stack model consortium and started a project for domestic AI companies' global expansion. It also launched the AI+X Investment Council with about 30 investment institutions, including global investors such as Korea Science & Technology Holdings and Kground Ventures.

KOSA earlier began operating an AI Basic Act support desk alongside the law's implementation and is providing legal and institutional consultations and advice for companies. With the latest designation as an AI promotion association, it plans to perform roles set out in the act, including surveys and analysis of AI technology and industry trends, installation and operation of shared facilities, training programmes to foster specialist manpower, and support for overseas expansion by AI businesses and specialist personnel.

An industry official said, "A foundation has been laid for (KOSA) to lead the AI ecosystem as well as software," adding, "I hope it will become a support channel that closely communicates with the government, the National Assembly and others while fully reflecting industry views."