The United Kingdom features its genius mathematician, Alan Turing — known as the “father of computer science and artificial intelligence” — on its highest-denomination £50 banknote. /AP Yonhap News

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by AI and big data, advanced nations are accelerating efforts to strengthen their competitiveness in mathematics, the foundation of cutting-edge science and technology.

In 2019, the Japanese government released a report titled The Era of Mathematical Capitalism: The Power of Mathematics Will Change the World. It declared, “To become the winner of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, what is needed is, first, mathematics; second, mathematics; and third, mathematics.” The report emphasized that mathematics is a universal and powerful tool capable of triggering disruptive innovation and will serve as a source of national wealth. As a powerhouse in basic science, Japan is further reforming university mathematics education and significantly improving the treatment of mathematics majors.

The United Kingdom, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and capitalism, also proclaimed in its Prime Minister’s report The Era of Mathematics that “from AI to advanced medicine, smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and aerospace, the heart of 21st-century industries is mathematics.” The report added that “the return on investment in mathematics is 588 times in economic value creation, far surpassing physics, engineering, and chemistry.” The country even features its genius mathematician, Alan Turing, on its highest-denomination £50 banknote.

China, engaged in a technological rivalry with the United States, is implementing a “Foundation Strengthening Plan” that focuses on discovering and intensively nurturing mathematics talent, particularly at major national universities.

Professor Emeritus Yongjin Song of Inha University’s Department of Mathematics stated, “Humanity must challenge what cannot be solved by existing methodologies in the future, and the thinking and problem-solving skills acquired through mathematics will play a crucial role. Only those who understand mathematics will adapt to new paradigms.”