Pattern and trend of scientific knowledge production in North Korea by a semantic network analysis of papers in journal titled technological innovation

Abstract

This study aims to examine current trends and patterns of North Korea’s knowledge production in science and technology (S&T) by employing scientometrics analysis. In order to capture the distinctive nature and characteristics of S&T activities in the Global South, this study analyzes co-occurring keywords of papers in the North Korean journal titled Technological Innovation to construct and visualize semantic and network structure of scientific knowledge. Although S&T has long been emphasized as an important means of rebuilding the economy and society in the country, research and development (R&D) activities have been veiled in the shadows, mainly due to difficulties in accessing adequate data and information. The results found that the terms “use” and “method” are predominately associated with a variety of keywords concerning urgent domestic issues regarding energy resources, agriculture, virus, and industrial automation. This pattern of knowledge production is manifested in the national S&T policy framework that has primarily focused on applied and problem-solving knowledge and techniques responding to social and economic needs. While North Korea has embraced S&T as a strategic means to cope with challenges encountered in its autarkic economy, a close and interactive relationship has established between science, technology and society.