KT publishes a book titled "10 ICT Trends Changing Korea in 2016," offering a preview.


KT (Chairman Hwang Chang-gyu) announced that it will publish '10 Key ICT Trends Changing Korea in 2016', which examines the key keywords of the 4th Industrial Revolution that will transform the future.

The 10 ICT trend topics selected by the KT Economic and Management Research Institute are the latest global trends and evolutionary directions in representative fields of ICT convergence, including fintech, smart healthcare, smart energy, self-driving cars, smart media, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, smart privacy, and the direction of manufacturing and network evolution in the convergence era.

Following the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd industrial revolutions triggered by steam engines, electricity, and computers, the 4th industrial revolution is emerging based on the convergence of ICT. As a representative example, the theme of the 2016 Davos Forum, attended by major political, economic, and cultural leaders, was selected as ‘Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution.’

Amidst this trend, the KT Economic and Management Research Institute presented market analysis and outlook for each ICT convergence field, along with a wealth of case studies, to enhance understanding of related industries and emphasize the role of ICT convergence in economic and social development.

Focus on the transformation of the financial market through fintech and the emergence of smart healthcare.

Specifically, in the 'Fintech' field, new financial market changes combined with ICT technologies were introduced, such as the big data-based loan screening evaluation introduced by the British fintech company 'Visual DNA'.

We also analyzed market changes that have led to competition for new financial business models, including the fintech market entry strategies of global ICT companies such as Google, Apple, and Samsung. 'Smart Healthcare' focuses on the shift in the medical paradigm from treatment to prevention through smart health in a time of increasing aging and chronic diseases.

We introduced recent trends, including the fierce competition for smart healthcare platforms and the emergence of various wearable devices, and predicted the future direction of industry evolution.

Presenting implications for ICT changes, including overseas examples of smart energy and big data.

"Smart Media" covered the global market competition and future evolution of OTT, a highly anticipated segment. It also presented the future prospects for VR, which makes virtual spaces feel real; AR, which integrates virtual environments into the real world; and digital signage, which is emerging as a digital target marketing terminal. Finally, in the "Internet of Things (IoT)," a field attracting significant attention across various industries, the report analyzed the competitiveness strategies of global companies and countries and highlighted the changing lifestyles they are driving.

Big data is recognized as a key convergence technology that enhances quality of life through personalized services and improves efficiency in businesses and the public sector. We analyzed the impact of big data across diverse industries, including services, manufacturing, healthcare, and sports. Furthermore, to further expand the benefits of big data, we analyzed social issues such as privacy violations and proposed measures to create a "smart privacy" environment.

In the case of 'manufacturing,' a revolution in production methods is taking place through convergence with ICT, establishing itself as a new growth engine. Accordingly, we analyzed the direction of ICT and manufacturing convergence initiatives being pursued in major countries, including Germany's "Industry 4.0," and derived implications. Finally, we proposed the need for a balanced network policy driven by the mutually beneficial development of ICT, which serves as the foundation for expanding ICT convergence and building future networks.

Park Dae-soo, director of the KT Economic and Management Research Institute, said, “I hope that the 10 ICT trends that will change Korea in 2016 will serve as a foundation for promoting ICT convergence in the 5G era.” He added, “If all citizens become more interested in the changing trends in ICT convergence, I expect that our country will be able to leap from a global ICT powerhouse to ‘ICT Convergence Korea’ and lead the 4th Industrial Revolution.”

10 Key ICT Trends Transforming Korea in 2016
-Fintech
-Smart healthcare
-Smart Energy
-Driverless cars
-Smart Media
-Internet of Things (IoT)
-Big data
-Smart Privacy
-Manufacturing in the age of convergence
-ICT convergence toward network evolution