A Study on the Prioritization of Policy Instruments Regarding Gendered Innovations in STI and R&D using AHP Method

Abstract

The objective of gendered innovations in science technology is to implement better science and promote human welfare through gender characteristics analysis. Recently, gender characteristics analysis has emerged as an important issue in the holistic process and results of gendered innovations in science technology. The leaders in science technology innovation (STI) like the European Union and Stanford University in the United States have placed an emphasis on gender as a factor in systemic analysis method and case studies in scientific research and process development. For instance, EU Horizon 2020 has mandated that all research plans integrate gender as an element in all research proposals. As such, there are efforts to enhance gendered innovations in science technology. Republic of Korea is not an exception. Korea adopted an affirmative action based on the Act on Fostering and Supporting Women Scientists and Technicians in 2002. Among other efforts by the South Korean government are the adoption and operation of the Ministry of Gender Equality in 2001, Gender Sensitive Budget in 2006, and Gender Impact Assessment in 2011. This study focuses on prioritizing certain aspects of the South Korean policy instruments and around STI and research and development (R&D) which can be enhanced by integrating gendered innovations. The results of such study are expected to be reflected and factored into making suggestions to amend the laws on science and technology. This study is expected to propose important measures to adopt S&T gendered innovations in the national R&D management system. It has great significance because it tries to build a basis of effective S&T policy execution using AHP technique to set priority in gendered innovations policy adoption.