What is the Smart Manufacturing Technology Industry Classification?
In July 2026, Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups established the country's first-ever "Smart Manufacturing Technology Industry" special classification. This addresses a longstanding gap: the existing Korea Standard Industrial Classification (KSIC) alone could not properly capture the scale and growth of emerging smart-manufacturing-related industries such as smart factory solutions, manufacturing AI, and industrial IoT.
What Changes with This New Classification
The government can now track the number of companies, revenue, and employment in the smart manufacturing technology industry as a distinct statistical categoryA solid statistical foundation strengthens the basis for future budget allocation and policy design in this areaThis classification code could eventually be linked to eligibility requirements or reporting items in smart factory and manufacturing AI support programsWhich Companies May Qualify
Smart factory solution and equipment suppliersIndustrial AI/IoT software developersManufacturing data platform and MES (manufacturing execution system) companiesSmart factory implementation consulting and system integration firmsWhat SMEs Should Check Now
Verify whether your business falls under the new smart manufacturing technology industry classificationContinue monitoring the detailed classification criteria and code system as they are finalizedTrack whether registration under this classification becomes linked to bonus points or eligibility in government support programsContact KITIM
KITIM supports smart manufacturing companies with policy trend monitoring and identifying relevant support programs. Contact us through [KITIM Contact](/contact) with questions about the smart manufacturing technology industry classification.
