A booklet summarizing the results of discussions between experts and citizens regarding the impact of Level 4 or higher autonomous driving technology on the economy, society, and culture has been published.


The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 6th that it has published a booklet titled 'The Future of Level 4 or Higher Autonomous Driving' containing the results of the 2021 technology impact assessment.

This booklet allows readers to examine the opinions of experts and citizens regarding various issues arising from the advancement of autonomous driving technology, and to review various policy recommendations for its desirable development and widespread adoption.

Level 4 or higher autonomous driving technology refers to technology that enables a vehicle to independently monitor the driving environment and respond to unexpected situations within a designated area (Level 4) or unlimited conditions (Level 5) where operation is possible without intervention from the driver or passengers.

Moving forward, autonomous driving technology is expected to contribute to a paradigm shift regarding vehicles by transcending the conventional stereotype of them as mere "transportation" and becoming "spaces" that provide users with freedom of time and action; furthermore, the range of activities that can be experienced within the vehicle is projected to expand infinitely.

On the other hand, autonomous vehicles constantly generate driving data, such as real-time location and movement patterns, and in the process of continuously exchanging this data within the traffic environment system, passengers' personal information is...There is a concern that it may be released.

In addition, when a car driven by artificial intelligence rather than a human causes an accident, unlike the legal issues between existing drivers and pedestrians, it appears necessary to discuss legal liability, the scope of liability, and compensation for damages between individuals and companies, such as users, pedestrians, vehicle manufacturers, insurance companies, and autonomous driving technology companies.

Oh Dae-hyun, Director General of the Performance Evaluation Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “Level 4 or higher autonomous driving technology is an innovative technology capable of changing the paradigm of the entire industry and will soon be realized before our eyes,” adding, “In order for domestic technology to be realized ahead of others, we must spare no national policy support to strengthen the positive effects of technology realization and minimize the negative effects.”

This booklet is scheduled to be distributed to government ministries and public institutions starting April 7, and can be downloaded from the Ministry of Science and ICT website (msit.go.kr) and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Planning and Evaluation website (kistep.re.kr). It is also available for free viewing as an e-book at online bookstores (Kyobo Book Centre, Ridi Books, Millie's Library, Aladin, YES24).