Inter-team cooperation: an overlooked imperative in South Korea's transition to the technological frontier

Abstract

ABSTRACT The transition for Newly Industrialized Countries to the technology frontier is critical for continued development. Now at this juncture, South Korea's performance indicates problems creating and commercialising new technology products. Various explanations exist but none is complete. We posit that the study of the inter-team dynamics of South Korean national-level project teams in public research institutes, governmental organisations and businesses provides important insights into understanding this problem. Using Social Interdependence Theory, we test for team cooperation as it is crucial for creativity and new technology innovation requisite at the technology frontier. Our findings show that team activity management at the local organisational level is perceived as positive by the teams, but they have serious concerns over the present government top-down directorial policy. This suggests the adoption of a more collaborative approach between the levels of the National System of Innovation.