Patent Trend Analysis and Strategy for Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence Semiconductor Technology

The AI semiconductor market is projected to grow rapidly, but Korea’s non-memory sector still holds a low market share and relies heavily on foreign technologies. This paper analyzes patent trends in third- and fourth-generation AI semiconductor technologies to provide strategic insights for enhancing Korea's technological competitiveness. The study categorizes next-generation AI semiconductors into processing and hardware domains, focusing on a qualitative analysis of hardware based on quantitative comparisons. A classification table was developed, including core technologies such as neuromorphic, NPU, HBM, CXL, PIM, and advanced packaging. Patent data from Korea, the U.S., and China were used to evaluate technology concentration by company and country. The results identify focused and core technologies by leading applicants and offer implications for guiding Korea’s development strategies in the AI semiconductor sector.