Introduction: Digital Platform Competition, the Dawn of a New Era
As digital transformation accelerates, platform competition is intensifying. AI, data, and algorithms are emerging as key competitive factors, and the digital cartel phenomenon, where a few giant IT companies dominate the market, is expected to worsen. This is the time to respond and seek innovative strategies. By 2026, intensified AI infrastructure competition, AI agent and automation collaboration, Physical AI innovation in industrial sites, 6G and satellite communication convergence, and the advancement of AI security technologies are expected to become major trends.
Core Concepts and Principles: Data, Algorithms, and Platforms
The core of digital platform competition is data, algorithms, and the platform itself. Data is an essential resource for platform growth and innovation, and algorithms analyze and utilize data to optimize user experience. The platform serves as the foundation upon which these data and algorithms operate. In particular, the advancement of AI agents is expected to open new horizons in platform competition.
The Emergence of Digital Cartels
Digital cartels, where a few giant IT companies operating platforms dominate the market, can hinder competition and suppress innovation. The cases of global Big Tech companies such as Google, Amazon, Facebook (Meta), and Apple illustrate the reality of digital cartels. The possibility of unfair trading practices caused by algorithms is also a problem that cannot be overlooked.
Latest Trends and Changes: AI, 6G, and Regulations
Recent trends include experimenting with the potential of AI agents, incorporating tokenized assets, strengthening financial innovation, the growth of the virtual card market, securing technical talent, Physical AI, and 6G and satellite communication convergence. Regulatory environments are also important factors of change, including the EU's enhanced monitoring of online platforms, improvements to competition law-related systems, the possibility of enacting digital asset market transparency laws, and strengthened competition law enforcement in the legislative process of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and DMA. In 2026, the performance of Korean AI semiconductors is expected, and compatibility between the latest AI models and Korean NPUs will be promoted through the joint performance indicator K-Perf.
Practical Application Plans: Platform Strategy and Innovation
To succeed in digital platform competition, a data-driven platform strategy and continuous innovation are essential. It is necessary to actively introduce new technologies such as AI agents, Physical AI, and 6G and satellite communication convergence, and focus on optimizing the user experience. In addition, efforts are needed to remain vigilant against digital cartels and create a fair competitive environment.
Expert Advice
💡 Technical Insight
Precautions When Introducing Technology: When introducing AI technology, thorough preparation for data security and privacy protection is necessary. In addition, it is important to ensure the fairness of algorithms and prevent unfair trading practices.
Outlook for the Next 3-5 Years: AI agent and automation collaboration are expected to develop further, and the use of Physical AI will expand in industrial sites. 6G and satellite communication convergence will bring innovation to communication infrastructure, and AI security technology will become even more important.
Conclusion
Digital platform competition will intensify further, and AI, data, and algorithms will emerge as key competitive factors. In addition to remaining vigilant against digital cartels and striving to create a fair competitive environment, it is important to focus on innovative technology adoption and user experience optimization. In 2026, innovations are expected in various fields such as AI infrastructure, AI agents, Physical AI, and 6G convergence. Only by actively responding to these changes will it be possible to succeed in digital platform competition.