Recent Trends in Science and Technology Policy in Republic of Korea

Abstract

The Korean government developed its interest for technological R&D in 1990s, and established a policy for its full-fledged promotion, designated as "Strategic Plan for Technological Development", as a part of the New Five-Year Economic Plan started in 1993. The plan has three basic aims: industry-led innovation mechanism, demand-oriented technological development, and strategic promotion of national scale development programs. Several enhancements were made in administrative systems: The National Science and Technology Board was newly established as an advisory group for the President; the General Science and Technology Council, founded in 1972, was revitalized after a long dormant period; and restructuring of relevant administrative organizations was implemented in three times since 1993. The national R&D investment will increase up to 3-4% of GNP in 1998 from 1.94% in 1991. Four government-led R&D programs for innovative technologies have enjoyed by far the highest growth in budget: an average 10-20% up to 1992 and 36-51% thereafter. Education and training, information distribution, and legislative actions represent measures for establishing social infrastructure for technological R&D. A goal in education and training is formation of 140,000 highly skilled researchers by 1998. Other policies include promotion of independence of and competition among smaller businesses, as well as formation of specialized groups of "chaebol" (big concern) enterprises, aiming at acceleration of innovation and enhancement of international competitiveness through better-structured distribution of resources.