"The vision seems promising, but the timing isn't right yet." — This line was written about seven years ago, and the keyword that fits the blank is IoT, not AI. Looking back at how that realization shaped my thinking about market trends, partnerships, and timing — and how the world's language eventually shifted to AI — this is the story of what I learned along the way.
Ⅰ. 2014 — Chasing IoT: The Early Hustle
Systems
(2014)
In 2014, like most professionals at the time, I was working on a research project with the goal of securing a market-leading solution based on IoT — the big trend following technologies like USN, Embedded Systems, and M2M.
In my early 30s, driven by youthful ambition, I was desperate to secure manpower, technology, and funding — which were relatively lacking compared to competitors. I relentlessly pushed for consortiums with global companies and national projects (both leading and participating), convincing stakeholders from all directions.
During that time, I sought advice from professionals who had been in the ICT industry for a long time, asking for insights from various perspectives.
Ⅱ. The Advice That Shifted My Thinking
I was already aware that the names of emerging technologies change every year through Gartner's Hype Cycle. However, I was surprised to realize that these changes directly impact my ability to secure partnerships and attract investment for the projects I was working on.
Ⅲ. 'Connection' — The Keyword That Opened a Door
Perhaps thanks to that advice, my proposal centered around the keyword 'connection' led to a joint research and development agreement with a major telecommunications company in Korea. This opened the door to exploring and executing various projects, providing a significant opportunity for growth and collaboration.
For a long time, I had dismissed the mid- to long-term business or R&D directions suggested by higher-ups as nothing more than "throwing random success stories or news articles from competitors" — leading to a sense of distrust. However, that experience became a turning point. It helped me realize that in order to drive the initiatives I was aiming for, I needed to plan projects, write reports, convince executives at partner companies, and secure funding. When working with government officials to propose and negotiate project plans, market trends — especially IoT at that time — became my powerful tool and asset.
Ⅳ. When AI Became Everyone's Language (2016–2019)
I believe that each of us encountered AI at different times depending on our affiliations and environments. Starting with the full history of AI could lead to an endless debate, so I'd like to share my own perspective.
For me, AI became something that really pulled the general public into the market in March 2016, with the "AlphaGo vs. Lee Sedol" match, which influenced students' choice of major and career paths. In July 2019, Masayoshi Son's statement, along with government policy shifts and the expansion of AI graduate schools, played a significant role in shaping academic and government efforts around AI. At least these two moments had a major impact on me.
Ⅴ. Keywords Are the Bridge — Lessons in Communication
Looking back now, I realize that in the fast-paced decision-making processes of each organization, the key factor is how quickly you can convey your message through the approval lines.
Market trends and the keywords that represent them are not just background noise — they are the communication currency of the era. Whoever holds the right keyword at the right time holds leverage: in partnerships, in funding, in approval lines.
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