In a keynote address at the 2026 Next Tech Forum, South Korean lawmaker Cha Ji-ho of the Democratic Party of Korea argued that the next phase of artificial intelligence dominance will hinge on human intelligence, heralding what he calls the "Third Industrial Transformation."
Cha emphasized that while current AI systems excel at data processing and pattern recognition, true breakthroughs will come from augmenting human cognition and creativity. He predicted a shift toward "Physical AI" that integrates seamlessly with human labor, transforming the service industry and beyond.
The lawmaker described this as a pivotal moment comparable to the first and second industrial revolutions, urging policymakers and businesses to prepare for a future where AI and human intelligence collaborate rather than compete.
The forum, hosted by Edaily, featured discussions on AI hegemony, semiconductor competition, and digital transformation, with Cha's remarks underscoring the need for a human-centric approach to technological progress.