The Korea Productivity Center hosted the Multicountry Observational Study Mission on Productivity Innovation through AI Transformation (AX) on 10–12 November 2025 in Seoul, the Republic of Korea (ROK). Conducted face-to-face, the project gathered 32 participants from 17 APO member economies and featured four resource persons from Australia, France, the ROK, and the United Kingdom. The mission aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of AX as a strategic driver of productivity, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

Participants explored the ROK’s national AI vision, policy trajectory, and investments in research and development, infrastructure, and talent development, which position the country as a leader in AX implementation. Sessions covered macroeconomic productivity implications, frameworks for organizational readiness, responsible AI governance, and approaches to bridging the “AI delivery gap.” Resource persons shared global perspectives and practical tools that organizations can apply to accelerate AI adoption and value creation.

Study visits to the 8th AI Summit Seoul & Expo, Seoul Robot & AI Museum, and DOUZONE allowed participants to engage with real-world applications of AI across manufacturing, services, robotics, and small and medium-sized enterprise digital platforms. Reflecting on the mission’s impact, participants commented that the observational study mission was like receiving a detailed blueprint of a highly advanced skyscraper, the skyscraper being the ROK’s AI strategy and technology. The project facilitated knowledge sharing on AX best practices and supported APO members in designing strategies for future-ready, productivity-driven digital transformation.