AI시대 도래에 따른 한일 중소기업 경쟁력 강화를 위한 방안 －한일 AI 지원정책 비교연구를 중심으로－

초록

For SMEs with constrained human and financial resources, delays in AI transformation undermine competitiveness and threaten the broader business ecosystem. Organizations like the OECD report significant productivity gaps between AI-adopting and non-adopting firms, underscoring the urgency of effective SME-targeted AI policies. This study compares the national AI strategies and SME support policies of Korea and Japan using a four-dimensional framework: policy instrument, objective, scope, and governance. Drawing on official documents, subsidy guidelines, and verified data like Japan’s IPA DX Promotion Index and Korea’s smart factory deployment, it analyzes recent developments including Korea’s AI Basic Act and Japan’s AI Basic Plan. Korea utilizes a government-led ‘adoption acceleration strategy’ to rapidly deploy AI solutions via direct subsidies and consortia. Conversely, Japan favors a ‘structural transformation strategy,’ encouraging firms to internalize AI capabilities through soft law frameworks, self-diagnostics, and expert matching. These distinct approaches reflect differing industrial structures and policy maturity, indicating a structural time lag. The study recommends: (1) fostering a firm-driven AI capability ecosystem; (2) expanding support to include management advisory, cybersecurity, and talent development; (3) systematizing AI specialist matching; and (4) linking public-sector AI adoption with SME demand creation.

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