A study on the establishment of policies for the activation of a big data industry and prioritization of policies: Lessons from Korea

• Minimize technological gap between Korea and developed countries
• Provide selective support in consideration of prioritization
• ANP model is a useful method for decision making.
• Need to secure and foster big data experts
• Enhance productivity of existing industries

With the recent formation of a smart ecosystem, the proposition of using data as a new value continues to be presented. Thus, to activate the big data industry, major developed countries are endeavoring to prepare diverse policies and measures, including boosting R&D investments and fostering related human resources, to keep pace with this global trend, South Korea also perceives big data as the core engine of the so-called “creative economy” and supports measures for fostering the big data industry, including public access to information. South Korea has pushed for policies and measures to activate the use of big data, but the big data industry has yet to be stimulated compared to other developed countries. Despite diverse forms of policy support, the big data industry has been inactive for several reasons, one of which is the inability to efficiently assemble and utilize limited resources. This study uses the ANP model in an attempt to quantitatively prioritize policies and identify the implications of going one step further. Korea's experience will be an important lesson for countries that intend to establish policies to nurture big data as a new growth engine under the paradigm of a smart ecosystem environment.