Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song said AI's productivity gains will depend on redesigning production methods and regional economic structures, rather than simply adopting the technology. Speaking on the 15th at the opening of the 2026 BOK Regional Economy Symposium in Daejeon, he compared AI with the steam engine, electricity and the internet as a general-purpose technology. Citing economic historian Paul David, Shin said electricity initially produced limited productivity gains because factories remained organized around steam power; substantial improvements followed only after layouts and production methods were redesigned. He said AI adoption likewise requires complementary innovation, including worker training, stronger AI skills and new approaches to organizing work. Shin also urged regions to connect data centers with power and telecommunications infrastructure, related companies and local supply chains so investment can raise productivity and support job creation. The symposium addressed AI's effects on regional labor markets, business responses, worker training, AI skills and opportunities for small businesses created by AI-based search services that reduce the importance of physical distance.