We stand at a historical inflection point where science and technology can no longer be separated from society. Yet, despite decades of discourse on “digital transformation,” the essence of transformation, endogenous change, has not been realized. This talk introduces DIGITALOGY as a new philosophical and practical framework for redefining civilization itself. Drawing from a lineage of thought, from Socrates and Jesus to Aristotle and Schumpeter, this work repositions innovation not as a tool for the state or capital, but as a process centered on human dignity and collective intelligence. Rather than superficial evolution or growth, DIGITALOGY emphasizes true transformation, a restructuring of internal consciousness and external systems simultaneously. This requires a shift in education, a reinvention of cities as living smart civilizations, and the construction of a new global order beyond existing institutional limitations. Organized into four “diamond” dimensions, AI Transformation, Smart Civilization and Smart City, Open Innovation, and Digital UN, this keynote proposes a practical pathway toward a new civilization, grounded not in abstraction, but in action.
The question is no longer whether transformation is possible. The question is who will choose to participate in building it.
DIGITALOGY: Toward a Human-Centered Transformation Beyond Civilization
Who the
Speakers are:
Speaker
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Junseok HwangProfessor at Seoul National UniversityDr. Junseok Hwang is a tenured full professor at Seoul National University, where he serves in the Technology Management, Economics, and Policy Program within the College of Engineering, as well as the Graduate School of Engineering Practice. He also leads the Integrated Major in Smart City Global Convergence and directs several major initiatives, including the Global R&DB Center and the International Technology Professional Program.
He earned his Ph.D. in Information Science and Telecommunications from the University of Pittsburgh, following a master’s degree in Telecommunications from the University of Colorado Boulder and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Yonsei University. His early career included roles in industry as a hardware and systems engineer and research staff, before transitioning into academia with positions at Syracuse University and later Seoul National University.
Dr. Hwang’s research focuses on technological innovation, smart cities, ICT policy, network economics, and emerging technologies. He has an extensive publication record in leading international journals, covering topics such as artificial intelligence, green innovation, IoT systems, and innovation policy. His work bridges engineering, economics, and policy, often applying interdisciplinary and data-driven approaches to address complex socio-technical challenges.
Beyond academia, he has led numerous global research and capacity-building projects in collaboration with organizations such as the World Bank and ASEAN, contributing to smart city development, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems worldwide. His contributions have been recognized through multiple awards, including commendations from the Korean government and academic excellence awards.
Dr. Hwang continues to play a leading role in advancing smart city innovation and global technology policy, fostering international collaboration and next-generation talent in engineering and public policy.