Deriving a Framework of Science and Technology Cooperation for Responding to Climate Change with Developed Countries: The Case of the ROK-UK Cooperation

Abstract

Climate technology is one of the most crucial factors of mitigating greenhouse gas emission and attaining carbon neutrality. The Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United Kingdom (UK) have strengthened science and technology cooperation while climate technology has not been actively discussed so far. This study aimed to suggest a preliminary framework of cooperation on climate technology by analyzing national strategies and official cooperation activities. The national strategies and plans in terms of climate technologies were analyzed to derive common technological interest of the ROK and the UK. Technologies in sectors of energy conversion, building, transportation, agriculture·livestock·fishery, hydrogen, carbon sink, and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) were identified. Network establishment and joint research and development (R&D) program were defined as main modalities of bilateral cooperation, according to a quantitative analysis on official announcement of the ROK on the cooperations. The methodology of this study is expected to be efficient and relevant as the official and public information·data had been utilized to identify common technological interests and to derive modality of cooperation. We hope this preliminary framework of cooperation on climate technology can contribute to facilitating and mainstreaming bilateral climate technology cooperation.