Unification of South and North Korean innovation systems

Abstract

This paper aims at identifying some implications for the Korean ex-ante preparation of S and T integration. In particular, it focuses on the differences in the S and T systems between South and North Korea. There are some similarities between both systems. There is a strong tendency toward regional concentration of research capacities in a few regions. The public research sector is not functionally divided but some public research institutes carry out comprehensive R and D activities in respective areas. University research is poor in both countries. However, there are strong differences between the two systems. First, South Korean S and T policy has always been to enhance national competitiveness, while North Korean is to support the realization of the socialist revolution. Second, there are several ministries in South Korea that engage in R and D promotion, but there is no ministry-level organization for S and T policy in North Korea and the Labor Party's Office of Science and Technology is very influential in S and T policy. Third, there are about 25 government-sponsored research institutes under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in South Korea, while major R and D activities in North Korea are concentrated in four Academies and a research center. Fourth, South Korean universities have started to play an important role in the national innovation system, but North Korean universities have not shown any satisfactory R and D activities. Finally, South Korean industry is the most important actor in the national innovation system, while North Korean industry has had not much of any role in the national innovation system. This paper argues that these differences should be taken into account in the unification of the South and North Korean innovation systems. It expects that the South Korean system will be the frame of reference for the North Korean system in the unification process. In this sense, the current South Korean system needs to be significantly improved. Unification should be utilized as a valuable opportunity for formulating a competent, unified innovation system for Korea.