BIOINDUSTRY IN SOUTH KOREA: AN ANALITICAL OVERVIEW AND MAIN PERSPECTIVES OF ITS DEVELOPMENT

In current tight competitive situation, companies always try to create differentiation anytime to achieve better and sustainable performance. Rapid and unpredictable changes insist the companies should always be innovative, so that aspects of globalization, e-business, technology innovation, creativity, global competition, knowledge creation, diffusion of new technologies and knowledge revolution should be sources of performance and competitiveness improvement. Therefore, tomaintain core competencies and competitive advantage, the companies should develop continuous innovation, technologylearning, and knowledge management. Knowledge-Technology-Innovation (KTI) can be a driver for country’s development and growth. Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are the countries that have limited natural and human resources, but able to achieve sustainable economic development. KTI is not only to be practiced at individual and organizational level, but also can be implemented at the community, national, or state level. KTI, therefore, can encourage expected competitive advantage creation and become a decisive factor for a country to achieve stable and sustainable economic growth. This research intends to analyze relationships of KTI, competitive advantage, commitment, leadership, human capital, government policy,and competence. This research used correlational method and literature study approach. The result of this research is a relationship model of each of these aspects that can be used as a framework for further research. The relationships model isas follows: Leadership, competence, and human capital (as independent variables) have direct relationship (influence) oncompetitive advantage (dependent variable) or indirectly (through KTI as an intervening variable); KTI has direct relationship (effect) on competitive advantage; Government policy and commitment are moderator variables for relationshipof KTI and competitive advantage.

Purpose This study aims to explore an emerging paradigm of internationalization in local universities in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, aiming to contribute to sustainable regional development amid population decline. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the research purpose, we examined internationalization strategies, objectives and initiatives at local universities in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Six universities in each country/region were asked to complete a survey on their internationalization practices. Interviews were also conducted with key actors in university-wide internationalization or regional revitalization activities, including senior leaders, academics and administrators. Findings The study revealed that social contribution and engagement were low priorities among the objectives for the internationalization of higher education (IoHE); however, internationalization efforts aimed at supporting sustainable regional development were observed and categorized into four types: glocal human resource development, local talent retention through collaboration with local industries and organizations, local industry and value creation, and creation and expansion of related populations. Reflecting on these internationalization efforts, an emerging internationalization strategy was identified as a means of sustainable regional development. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study are based on an analysis of 18 purposefully selected local universities in three East Asian countries/regions experiencing rapid and severe population decline. Although an emerging internationalization strategy was identified, further research involving non-elite, non-metropolitan universities in other regions is needed to validate and refine this strategy as a broadly applicable model. Practical implications This study provides evidence of a noticeable gap between the internationalization efforts being implemented and the institutional internationalization objectives. It suggests that government policy should support and guide the emerging internationalization approach toward a more deliberate and sustainable model. Social implications This study demonstrates that the internationalization of local universities has the potential to contribute to sustainable regional development by identifying four key internationalization initiatives linked to the university’s third mission of social contribution and community engagement. Originality/value This study presents an international comparative analysis of case studies conducted in three East Asian countries/regions, focusing on the internationalization of local universities. It explores the role of higher education internationalization in supporting the universities’ third mission by identifying internationalization efforts linked to sustainable regional development. This study identifies an emerging strategy for the internationalization of higher education.

While other studies have analysed the problems of innovation and innovative development at the global level or for some specific countries or enterprises, this study provides a comparison of publication activity in the sphere of innovation and innovative development in two countries with different levels of economic and sustainable industrial development. This study investigates publications on the innovation and innovative development problems regarding sustainable industrial development in Ukraine and South Korea. A bibliometric study was conducted. The data were collected from the SciVal platform. The authors used the modern techniques and procedures of bibliometric analysis and data visualisation. The results show that (1) South Korea demonstrates higher publication activity on innovation and innovative development than Ukraine; (2) in the articles, authors of both countries highlight the problem of increasing innovative activity; (3) authors from South Korea form a denser network of relationships with authors from other countries; (4) in both cases, the leading cluster formed around the keyword “innovation”; and (5) for Ukraine and South Korea, innovative activities are connected with sustainable development. This study combines qualitative and quantitative research methods. It was carried out in two phases: data preparation and data analysis, using the techniques and procedures of bibliometrics. The results demonstrate the importance of the publication of scientific papers on the effects of a country’s innovative activities to raise public awareness, foster the country’s innovation, and thus stimulate sustainable development.

In recent decades, South Korea has had a distinctive rise in status in the international order, relying on gains in all major components of national power-economic, military, political, and societal. While much attention has been directed to South Korea's rise, comparative implications and aspects have not-hence, this special issue.A comparative perspective addresses a number of key questions:* What is distinctive as well as shared about South Korea's rise when compared with other newly industrialized countries? How are sui generis as well as recurring aspects of South Korea's rise reflected in different components of national power, such as economic, military, political, and societal?* Are the recurring aspects of South Korea's rise reflected by sector in other rising East Asian countries? In what contrasting ways is the rise of these other East Asian powers sui generis?* How does South Korea's rise compare by sector to that of a rising China?* How do the above comparisons lend insight into what is idiosyncratic and recurring or shared about South Korea's rise?Domestic and International PerspectivesA systematic framework is needed to address these multiple comparisons regarding South Korea's rise: domestic, international, and sectoral perspectives, treated in economic, political, security, and societal dimensions. In particular, two basic perspectives on South Korea's rise deserve attention: a domestic perspective and an international perspective.Domestic PerspectiveSouth Korean domestic and foreign policies responsible for this multifaceted rise need to be tracked, and lessons learned need to be identified and specified. While South Korea's rise has attracted much attention, the record of specific South Korean public policies needs to be compared and assessed. The role of the private sector also needs to be considered. We need to consider how public policy interfaces and interacts with the private sector in different areas. In addition, how does the domestic context position South Korea for an international rise in status?Since the end of World War II, South Korea has experienced a major war, military dictatorship, and democratization, along with rapid industrialization and continual growth of military tension on the Korean peninsula. Against this background, choosing the right policies becomes much more challenging, but also promises to be more rewarding.International PerspectiveRising powers in Asia and beyond have received much attention, although comparisons between them have been largely random and unstructured. A clear exposition of lessons learned across domestic and foreign policies about South Korea's rise gained from the domestic perspective can provide a basis for systematic comparisons with the rise of other countries in Asia and beyond- including the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. South Korea-based comparisons with other newly industrialized countries and rising powers will involve both domestic and international public policies. Domestic public policies include those related to industry, transportation, energy and the environment, and research and development in high technology. International public policies include foreign and defense policy. Systematic comparisons between South Korea's rise and the rise of other countries can lend insight into the dynamics of each country's rise as well as how each national case impacts the international order.Given the continuity of the Cold War mentality in Northeast Asia, the international policy choices seem to be limited for South Korea. In making comparisons, we need to understand how this circumstance has affected South Korea's choices of domestic policies, especially strategies for rapid economic growth. Peace and predictability are essential for economic investment, and government policies are vital to ensure a healthy environment for investment, economic and political as well as societal. …

COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease that first appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and first spread throughout the country and then worldwide. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, concerned about the rapid spread of COVID-19, officially declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) barred foreign tourists from China on January 21, 2020, and then completely closed its border with China. In this article, I will explore the impact of COVID-19 on North Korean society and research the cooperation plan between South and North Korea. I will also briefly introduce in the post-COVID-19 period. To better understand the health care system and health conditions in North Korea, I will first analyse the infectious disease management system and, in the context of this, then try to investigate in detail how COVID-19 has affected North Korea. From an economic point of view, I will examine the changes in economic cooperation between North Korea and China, and then try to explain the social changes caused by restrictions on movement and lack of goods, and the political situation in North Korea during the COVID-19 crisis. Finally, I will try to research the situation facing North Korea and suggest a way for cooperation between South and North Korea in the future. The basic aim of this research is to find a useful alternative for joint cooperation in the field of health care and safety and to improve cooperation between South and North Korea in the post-COVID-19 era.

The article provides an in-depth analysis of the role of inclusive digital ecosystems as a strategic determinant in the transformation and development of human capital in the digital age. It emphasizes that human capital, consisting of knowledge, creativity, adaptability, and digital competence, is now a central resource for national competitiveness and sustainable development. The study explores the conceptual foundations of inclusiveness in digital environments and how equitable access to digital tools, technologies, and learning opportunities enhances professional growth, social participation, and economic resilience. The research integrates theoretical and empirical findings to argue that inclusive digital ecosystems not only mitigate the digital divide but also serve as catalysts for building digital literacy and lifelong learning. The article highlights that inclusion in the digital context must extend beyond physical access–it requires developing digital capabilities, universal design, and policies that ensure equitable participation across all demographic and social groups. Based on international experience from the European Union, Finland, Estonia, South Korea, and Canada, the study identifies key practices in fostering digital accessibility and inclusion through multi-level governance, education reform, and public-private partnerships. In the Ukrainian context, the rapid digitalization process coexists with systemic challenges–regional inequality, skills gaps, and the effects of war on infrastructure and workforce mobility. Despite these challenges, Ukraine demonstrates strong potential through initiatives such as the 'Diia' project and national programs aimed at digital literacy and accessibility. The paper proposes a comprehensive framework for policy development that integrates technological, educational, and institutional dimensions to promote inclusiveness and innovation. It underscores that inclusive digital ecosystems are not merely technological constructs but human-centered systems that enhance social cohesion, productivity, and global competitiveness. The findings contribute to the academic discourse on digital transformation and sustainable human capital development, offering recommendations for future research and policy implementation in post-war Ukraine and beyond.

This study aims to compare and analyze the fisheries laws and institutions of South and North Korea and to propose legal measures for sustainable fisheries development and cooperation. South Korea, based on a market economy, operates its fisheries sector through scientific fisheries management, IUU fishing prevention, Total Allowable Catch (TAC) expansion, and climate change adaptation while complying with international regulations. In contrast, North Korea maintains a centrally planned economy in its fisheries sector, with structural limitations such as the absence of a fishing permit system, non-compliance with UNCLOS, and deficiencies in seafood hygiene and quality management systems. This study proposes legal and institutional reforms to address these challenges, including revising North Korea's fisheries laws to align with international standards, the establishment of a joint fishing zone, an enhanced monitoring system for IUU fishing prevention, and cooperative climate change adaptation and marine environmental protection initiatives. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to improve seafood distribution, and certification systems to facilitate inter-Korean trade and improve competitiveness in the global market. Inter-Korean fisheries cooperation should not be based on the unilateral imposition of one system over the other, but rather on legal and institutional alignment with UNCLOS and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure effectiveness. By addressing these legal and regulatory disparities, inter-Korean cooperation can contribute to sustainable fisheries development on the Korean Peninsula and the stabilization of the Northeast Asian maritime order.

The paper is to study the reasons why the global competitiveness of the Japanese industry has weakened significantly in the automobile industry. Four leading causes will be analyzed to weaken Japanese global competitiveness regarding technical, market, policy, and corporate factors. Above all, the human element, which is consisted of the dynamics of entrepreneurs, workers, experts, politicians, and administrative bureaucrats, is the most critical in analyzing the technical, market, policy, and corporate factors of global competitiveness in each industry. In Japan, workers and experts were responsible for technology transfer within the industry. Japan was far ahead of Korea regarding technological equipment, but there were frequent cases of human leaking. Japanese automakers’ entrepreneurs failed to the quality management of the overseas workforce while promoting a growth-centered corporate strategy, resulting in a massive recall in 2009. As for the Japanese automobile industry, global competitiveness has been weakened due to the inability of the technicians to supply an overseas workforce to cope with the boom period of the worldwide market. In addition, politicians and bureaucrats, via the government's industrial support or policy, played an inevitable role in enhancing the competitiveness of Japan in early development. As an industry incumbent, Japan formed an industrial ecosystem while pursuing industrial development through government-led industrial policy. Thus, when the economy came into a recession, especially macroeconomic stagnation, there should have been timely action or policy support at the government level. With the technological development of products, the market of the industry was booming or depressed at that time, along with the government's policy and strategic support to develop each sector and to maintain its global competitiveness. The Japanese government failed to take advantage of the market due to the wrong choice of investment period and, thus, caused to lessen the gap with Korea. The investment reduction or cost reduction decided by entrepreneurs as one of the main factors, explained in detail by the corporate factor as the internal cause, is noteworthy among the four factors of weakening global competitiveness. The biggest reason Toyota lost global competitiveness, mainly due to its massive recall in the automobile industry, is that it made small investments during critical periods, delayed investments, or impractical cost reduction strategies in significant investment periods. The technology, market, and policy factors are the leading causes because of the necessary-to-sufficient relationship with the investment or cost reduction. With the decision-making process for investment or cost reduction by entrepreneurs, Toyota Motors would have avoided the massive recall in the global arena.

Focusing on the late 20th century onward, this book brings to light the ways in which design as a material form has underscored cultural, social and economic changes across Asia. The Dynamics of Modern Asian Design provides a deeper and more enhanced understanding of material culture in Asia through analysis of examples of ceramics, electronic items, fashion, furniture, interior design, architecture and ornaments from across countries such as China, Hong Kong, India, Japan and South Korea. Authors explore the production of objects as agents in modern material life, moving beyond their roles as commodities and addressing their values in a range of contexts and subjectivities. Early chapters explore how ceramics and found objects are given innovative forms and meanings in their reincarnation, and how the reinvention of material is critical when design is produced and valued. Authors look at the intricate correlation between materials, design practice and social change, highlighting issues of cultural authenticity and tensions between local and global contexts. They then interrogate the significance of visual appearance in material representations of modern women and religious artefacts, exploring gender and religious representation through the analysis of magazines, statues and objects of adornment. The final section includes analysis of concrete, urban design and electrical appliances, specific to particular cultural and social contexts across modern and contemporary Asian cultures. Focusing from the 20th century onwards, this book brings to light the ways in which design as a material form has underscored cultural, social and economic changes across Asia. The Dynamics of Modern Asian Design provides a deeper and more enhanced understanding of material culture in Asia through analysis of examples of ceramics, electronic items, furniture, interior design, architecture and ornaments from across countries such as China, Hong Kong, India, Japan and South Korea. Authors explore the production of objects as agents in modern material life, moving beyond their roles as commodities and addressing their values in a range of contexts and subjectivities. Early chapters explore how ceramics and found objects are given innovative forms and meanings in their reincarnation, and how the reinvention of material is critical when design is produced and valued. Authors look at the intricate correlation between materials, design practice and social change, highlighting issues of cultural authenticity and tensions between local and global contexts. They then interrogate the significance of visual appearance in material representations of modern women and religious artefacts, exploring gender and religious representation through the analysis of magazines, statues and objects of adornment. The final section includes analysis of concrete, urban design and electrical appliances, specific to particular cultural and social contexts across modern and contemporary Asian cultures.

The East Asian model of economic development focuses on 5 shared characteristics that seem significant in the contemporary economic development of Japan Taiwan and Korea. They are economic characteristics and include 1) high investment ratios 2) small public sectors 3) competitive labor markets 4) export expansion and 5) government intervention in the economy. Large and efficient investments in human capital and well-developed capacities to absorb new technology are 2 other economic features shared by The Three. One could add overcrowding (high man/land ratios) and scarcity of natural resources though these are handicaps rather than sources of economic strength. It is possible however that virtue springs from necessity and that ample arable land or abundant natural resources mainly permit governments to postpone the difficult decisions needed to promote development rather than provide the wherewithal needed to finance development. Other noneconomic characteristics of The Three such as ethnic and linguistic homogeneity relatively compact geography manageable population size and the Confucian tradition have not been considered in the model even though they have undoubtedly influenced labor productivity savings behavior and other aspects of economic performance. Whether the East Asian model ought to be followed depends on whether current and foreseeable circumstances are sufficiently like those faced by The Three to justify using the same policies that they used. Applicability of the East Asian model should also depend on whether the strategy employed by The Three has been responsible for their economic success. 2 aspects of the East Asian models policy features are noteworthy: 1) the policies typically work by influencing rather than replacing private market decisions and 2) the public expects government to intervene to influence economic growth.

A study of the impact of military expenditures on economic growth and development examines the differences in the results of previous studies which led to contradictory conclusions. The authors find that these differences are due to sample variations, specificational choices, and the different time periods examined. The data indicate that there is no consistent, statistically significant connection between military spending and economic growth. Augmentation of the models suggests that military expenditures neither help nor hurt economic growth to any significant extent. 2 tables.

Background: Since the mid-1990s, South Korea has undergone two remarkable social changes: a large-scale expansion in higher education and a transition to lowest-low fertility. These changes offer an appropriate quasi-experimental setting for the causal inferences of the impacts of college education on transitions into marriage and parenthood. Objective: I examine the effects of the large-scale college expansion on first marriage and first childbirth, using data from South Korea. Methods: I define two cohorts of women depending on their exposure to the expansion (pre-expansion versus post-expansion), and from this I identify a marginal group affected by the college expansion. Using a difference-in-difference approach, I examine how marriage and childbirth changes in this group (the New College Class) differed in comparison with the changes in other groups (the High School Class and the Traditional College Class). Results: I found a considerable impact of college expansion on the falling rates of first marriage and first childbirth among the New College Class women. The growing divide in family formation between college graduates and non-college graduates explains a large part of the total college expansion effects, while the effect of increased education among New College Class women was minimal. Conclusions: The college expansion in South Korea did have an impact, but the impact was mostly indirect from interactions with other social structural changes. Contribution: I provide causal evidence on the impact of the large-scale expansion in higher education on family formation, in particular fertility, utilizing a novel analytical approach and a rare empirical case in South Korea.

Early Response to COVID-19

A t the moment, the United States is the world leader in many aspects of technology and innovation. Its research universities enjoy global eminence, and admission to its graduate schools is sought by students from many lands. One remarkable U.S. innovation is the Internet, which is changing the way in which businesspeople, scientists, and others in many countries function; and the United States has also made many important advances in biomedical research and practice. The United States has enjoyed a high standard of living in part because of its long-term leadership in innovation. A common assumption is that such favorable circumstances will continue indefinitely, but future U.S. preeminence is not guaranteed. During the past decade, changes have occurred that may have serious consequences. Insufficient innovation in some sectors of the U.S. economy has been a factor in a large and increasing international trade deficit. One effect has been that the United States has become the world's largest debtor. The February 1999 federal Economic Report of the President stated that at the end of 1997, the net international investment position of the United States at market value was a deficit of $1322 trillion. In addition, the rate of increase of the U.S. international debt is accelerating. In 1998, the debt expanded by more than $230 billion. Extrapolation of data for the first 6 months of 1999 indicates a further increase of more than $300 billion this year. One corrective step might be to speed the pace of innovation to improve U.S. productivity and global competitiveness in the trade of goods. If this strategy is to succeed, federal policies must be improved. This need is discussed in a March 1999 publication of the Council on Competitiveness titled The New Challenge to America's Prosperity: Findings from the Innovation Index .* The principal authors are Michael E. Porter of the Harvard Business School and Scott Stern of the MIT Sloan School. They point out that innovations are fundamental to the prosperity of advanced economies. They assert that no advanced economy can maintain high wages and living standards and hold its own in global markets by producing standard products with standard methods. The authors have devised and tested an Innovation Index, which measures the effectiveness of the components of national policies and the circumstances that foster innovation. Some of the components of the index are the amount of investment directed at R&D, the resources devoted to higher education, and the size of the labor force dedicated to R&D and other technically related work. The last of these components is particularly problematic. Prospects for a future adequate U.S. R&D labor force seem poor. Graduate school populations in engineering and the physical sciences are static or declining. A large number of graduate students are foreign nationals, and an increasing proportion of them are returning to their home countries after completing their studies. Meanwhile, less than half of the U.S. alumni are employed in technological fields. The Innovation Index provides evidence that the United States may be living off of assets that have not been adequately renewed (indeed, U.S. investment in the fundamentals of innovative capacity reached a peak in 1985). Other nations are determined to compete in global trade. Most members of the 17 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development have increased their commitment to education and to R&D. Their capabilities for innovation have improved relative to those of the United States. South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Israel have also fostered their competitive skills. At a time when other countries were taking effective steps to improve their capabilities, the United States was curtailing support for some of the activities that made it great. A future crisis can be avoided, but action must be taken years before the event. The Council on Competitiveness report provides useful analysis and guidance and should be thoughtfully considered by policymakers.

A competitive pharmaceutical industry is integral for the continued improvement of any country’s social and health resources and can be a source of sustained economic growth. As South Korea faces economic slowdown and increased social and health costs from an aged population, it is necessary to examine the current state of the industry’s competitiveness to determine how its global position can be enhanced. The following study identifies the determinants of South Korea’s competitiveness by applying the Generalized Double Diamond Model and conducts a comparative analysis with the globally competitive country of Japan. As the pharmaceutical industry is highly globalized, the study explores both domestic and international variables at the country and industry level ranging from 2015 to 2019. The results indicate that although South Korea almost matches Japan’s level of domestically determined competitiveness, there are significant international strategic differences that are hindering South Korea from becoming as globally competitive as Japan.