I've worked in the US, Europe, and Korea. The biggest difference is how people approach innovation.

Myung-hee Na, vice president and general manager of technology research at Intel, has worked in the US, Europe, and Korea, highlighting notable differences in how people approach innovation. In the US, Na observes a strong emphasis on innovation and independent thinking, with the education system encouraging individuals to develop unique ideas and challenge assumptions.

This environment allows for new ideas to emerge from various directions, which is particularly crucial for research focused on semiconductor technologies that may not see product impacts for five to ten years.

In contrast, Korea places a significant emphasis on discipline, standardization, and execution. Teams operate with remarkable precision, working efficiently and consistently once a direction is established. These qualities are invaluable in the semiconductor industry, where success hinges on thousands of manufacturing steps functioning precisely as intended.

Intel's research work often involves starting with ideas in the lab, narrowing them down, and evaluating millions of possible combinations before moving the most promising candidates into larger-scale testing. Despite the differing cultural approaches, Na views both innovation and execution as essential components of the semiconductor industry, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses.

The fusion of diverse perspectives and backgrounds enhances innovation, as new ideas often arise from individuals with varied experiences and viewpoints. This diversity is particularly beneficial in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, where solving future challenges necessitates novel approaches and collaborative problem-solving.