Korean Automobile Industry Research Articles

블록모델링을 활용한 한국자동차산업 공급네트워크 구조 분석

This study empirically analyzes the supply network of the Korean automotive industry through CONCOR, a structural equivalence analysis, and blockmodeling. Using equivalence analysis, it is possible to classify nodes based on occupying the same position in the network and identify the relationship pattern between them, even if it is not based on direct connections between nodes. The results of the study are as follows First, the supply network of the Korean automobile industry was divided into six blocks, and the six domestic automakers belonged to different blocks. Second, we found that blocks 4 and 5 were significantly larger than blocks 1 and 2 in terms of attributes such as sales and total assets. Finally, the relational characteristics between the blocks suggest that block 5 plays a pivotal role in the supply network of the Korean automobile industry. The theoretical significance of this study is that it is the first to apply the concept of structural equivalence to the field of SCM research, providing a new way to systematically understand the structure of large and complex supply networks. In addition, from a practical perspective, it can help managers to view and understand the entire supply network from a macro perspective.

Characterization of the life cycle carbon footprint of the automobile industry in the Republic of Korea by environmentally extended input-output model

The automobile industry is a major economic driver in Republic of Korea (Korea). However, little is known about its climate change contribution. This study estimates the direct and indirect greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions of the Korean automobile industry for the first time, by using a 2017 environmentally extended input-output (EEIO) model integrated by energy balance, GHG inventory and input-output table of 2017. The results show that the final demand of Korean automobile industry led to 8.4% of national GHG emissions in 2017, mostly because of indirect emissions embodied in the supply chain. The study also found that the Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions on average accounted for 3.0%, 2.9%, and 94.7%, respectively. This highlights the contribution of the upstream supply chain such as primary metals (40.9%) and electricity (32.5%) when assessing the GHG emissions. Finally, the study underscores that carbon taxes could have a significant impact on the competitiveness of automobile export. Overall, this study provides valuable insights on countermeasures by identifying the GHG emissions characteristics of the automobile industry. The results of the study could be used to develop policies and strategies to reduce the GHG emissions and promote sustainable practices in the Korean automobile industry.

Weak ties and adaptive resilience of regional economy: evidence from networks in the South Korean automobile industry

Weak ties and adaptive resilience of regional economy: evidence from networks in the South Korean automobile industry

The Influence of Gender Diversity in Inventor Teams on Technological Innovation in the Korean Automobile Industry: Evidence from Patent Data

Purpose – The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between gender diversity in coinventing teams and technological innovation. We reason that a diverse range of perspectives and experiences brought about through gender diversity can lead to more creative problem-solving and decision-making, resulting in more innovative outputs. Additionally, we will examine the moderating effect of the coinventors’ experiences on this relationship. Design/Methodology/Approach – This study uses detailed information from patents registered by Korean automobile companies in the USPTO between 1994 and 2019. We employ OLS regression to test our hypotheses at the team level, incorporating firm and year fixed effects and other relevant factors affecting a team’s technological output. The dependent variable, technological innovation in a team’s output, is measured using three different indicators: knowledge diversity, knowledge novelty, and broad impact. Findings – Our study finds that team-level gender diversity has a significant positive effect on technological innovation, as evidenced by all three dependent variables. We also uncovered that the positive impact of gender diversity on innovation is amplified when all team members have more experience, compared to less experienced teams. Together, these results corroborate our claims. Research Implications – Our study holds important implications for STEM fields, which form the backbone of various industries. Our research suggests that, despite traditional gender roles and stereotypes that may discourage women from pursuing careers in these fields, increasing gender diversity in R&D can bring benefits by enhancing various dimensions of technological innovation. Furthermore, our findings indicate that automobile companies can use gender diversity to drive greater innovation and gain a competitive advantage.

미국의 인플레이션 감축법이 우리나라 전기차 공급망에 미치는 피해의 최소화를 위한 협상대책

The US Inflation Reduction Act is expected to cause significant damage to the electric vehicle industry in Korea and EU. This study focuses on negotiation measures between Korea and USA to minimize damages related to the supply chain of the automobile industry, which is expected from the implementation of the IRA. The IRA is ultimately intended to build a US-centered electric vehicle production ecosystem, and from the standpoint of the Korean automobile industry, it is necessary to move away from relying on China for major raw materials for batteries so far, and to restructure or significantly adjust the supply chain. Regarding the IRA, both the Korea-US negotiations and the Korea-China negotiations have important meaning considering the future growth engines of electric vehicles and batteries. In negotiations with the United States, it is desirable for Korea to recognize that the nature of the issue is derived from the multilateral economic hegemony of the United States, and to engage in negotiations based on principle, that is, a problem-solving attitude that excludes political and diplomatic relations with both the United States and China. For the US, it is desirable to pursue a strategy that maximizes the actual benefits that can be obtained from local foreign direct investment rather than focusing on the application of exceptions to the IRA Act. If Korea fully accepts the US position on the IRA and makes a decision against China’s interests, there may be a threat of retaliation from China, and we must prepare for this at various levels.

코로나19 시기 한국 자동차산업 경영효율 변화에 관한 연구

Previously, manufacturers in the global economy produced products by exchanging technologies and know-how through the global value chain (GVC), but they faced a major turning point due to COVID-19. In this process, Korean automobile manufacturers are also expected to have simultaneously been affected by the existing supply chain. This study therefore examines changes in the management efficiency of the Korean automobile industry during the COVID-19 period. Changes in management efficiency before and after COVID-19 were examined through DEA and Malmquist method with information on the domestic automobile manufacturing sector among external audit-mandated companies from “KisValue” database. The results revealed that in the finished car and component industries, productivity decreased compared to the preCOVID-19 period, but increased in the vehicle body and trailer fields. Taking this case as a lesson and considering a pandemic situation such as COVID-19 is highly likely to occur again, diversification and localization of the supply chain for parts and materials are considered important.

Commitment under Asymmetric Dependence: Supplier-buyer Dynamics in the Automobile Industry

In this paper, we examine the supplier-buyer relationship based on resource dependence theory. When suppliers are asymmetrically dependent on buyers, those suppliers are subject to opportunistic behaviors of the buyers. Under this kind of an industry setting, suppliers’ enhancement in commitment to the asymmetric relationship, however, can help them resolve problems associated with asymmetric dependence and enhance performance. Such performance improvement can be lessened when a buyer forms a new exchange relationship, or magnified when a supplier forms a new exchange relationship. A supplier’s industry diversification and technological capability also affect the dynamics. Examining the Korean automobile industry, we discover strong support for our argument.

인도네시아 자동차 시장에 대한 한국의 수출경쟁력 분석

Purpose : This study analyzes the international competitiveness of Korean products in the Indonesian automobile market.
 Research design, data and methodology : The export of automotive products was extracted in terms of HS 4 and HS 6 units. The Trade Specialization Index (TSI) was calculated for Korea and Indonesia, and a Market Comparative Advantage (MCA) index was calculated for Korea, Japan, and Thailand in the Indonesian automobile market. Export statistics were extracted from the International Trade Centre Trade Map.
 Results : The TSI shows that Korean companies have strong competitiveness in almost all items, compared to Indonesian companies. But according to the MCA index, Korea has no long-term, strong comparative advantage. In contrast, Japan and Thailand have many long-term, strong comparative advantages, especially in the parts/equipment sectors. There, they have an absolute advantage that supports the assembly and production of Japanese automobile brands.
 Conclusions : The Korean automobile industry should find a chance to turn the tide. Korea should increase investment in production facilities in Indonesia, and should seek an opportunity in the conversion to electric vehicles. Also, Korean companies must watch carefully for changes in circumstances due to Indonesian government policy and FTAs.

A Study on Resolving the Wage Gap between Large and Small Enterprisesin the Korean Automobile Industry: Focusing on demand-side factors (R&D, patented technology, labor productivity, etc.)

본 연구는 ‘기업활동조사’ 10년간 자료를 병합하여 자동차 산업의 대·중소기업 간 임금격차 해소방안을 연구했으며, 그 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 2019년 기준 연평균 인건비는 완성차 87백만원, 100~299명 중소기업 55백만원, 100명 미만 소기업 51백만원으로 나타나 대·중소기업 간 37.1~41.3%의 임금격차가 존재했다. 둘째, 자동차 산업의 노동소득분배율은 지난 10년간 모든 연도에서 대기업보다 중소기업이 높았으며, 그 원인은 부가가치의 핵심 요소인 영업잉여 차이에서 비롯되었다. 셋째, Oaxaca의 임금격차 분해 식을 활용하여 자동차 산업의 임금격차 요인을 분해한 결과, 임금격차에 미치는 영향력은 부가가치 노동생산성(32.2%), 노조(9.7%), 자본집약도(6.4%) 순으로 컸다. 넷째, 패널회귀 분석을 통해 자동차 산업의 임금 결정요인을 추정한 결과, 노동생산성, 영업이익률, 노조, 자본집약도, 연구개발 집중도는 유의한 정(+)의 영향을 미치고, 외주비와 임시직 비율은 부(-)의 영향을 미쳤다. 따라서 대·중소기업 간 임금격차를 해소하기 위해서는 기술혁신을 통한 부가가치 노동생산성을 높이고, 중소기업의 노동조합 조직률을 높일 필요가 있다. 또한 자동차 산업의 지속 가능한 발전을 위해서는 부품공급 네트워크로 연결된 중소기업과 공동기술개발을 통한 혁신역량 강화, 부품단가 현실화 등 원·하청 간 공생과 협력의 산업생태계 조성을 통한 공동경쟁력 강화와 공정분배를 실현할 필요가 있다.

Transportation Infrastructure or Economic Power? Development of the Automobile Industry in the United States

The motive for the Korean automobile industry’s US investment is the easing of trade regulations and managing a stable supply chain by establishing local production. The Korean automobile industry has undergone major changes due to strong trade regulations since the beginning of the Trump administration and the COVID-19 pandemic. This has affected parts production, procurement, and automobile manufacturing and shaken the foundation of the automobile industry supply chain. The purpose of this study is to provide implications for additional investment decisions by analyzing the impact of the US industry and economy on the success of the automobile industry if Korean automobile companies advance into the US. This study conducted panel analysis by collecting 10 years of data to investigate the impact of economic, industrial, and infrastructure factors in each state on the success of the automobile industry. This study reflected the characteristics and investment motivation of the automobile industry. The study findings revealed that an export-oriented industrial area is suitable for strategic investment rather than a region where the economy is simply large or where all industries are developed. In addition, when making investment decisions, it is important to prioritize the internal capabilities of the company rather than external factors.

A Study of Supply Network Characteristics of the Korean Automobile Industry by Parts Function: Through Social Network Analysis

코로나(Covid19) 사태로 인해 자동차 공급사슬에서의 단절(Disruption)로 인한 문제가 더욱 부각 되었고 무엇보다 안정적인 공급체인 구성이 기업의 생존에 화두가 되고 있다. 특히 복잡한 공급사슬 구조를 가져 유기적으로 연결되어 있는 자동차 부품산업은 각 공급업체별 개별적 분석으로 전체를 이해하는데 한계점이 존재한다. 따라서 좀 더 확장된 시각에서의 폭넓은 부품 네트워크의 실증적 분석에 대한 요구가 높아지고 있다. 본 연구에서는 한국자동차산업을 사회연결망분석(SNA_Social Network Analysis)기반하여 부품 네트워크를 분석하였다. 기존 연구에서는 각 개별 기업별 중심성(연결 중심성, 매개 중심성, 근접 중심성)을 특정 부품(브레이크 등)으로 국한하여 연구가 진행되었다. 본 연구에서는 자동차에 포함되는 부품들을 기능별로 구분하여 대부분의 주요 부품을 포함시켜서 각 부품의 한국자동차산업 네트워크의 특성을 분석하였다. 한국자동차사산업의 부품기능별로 체계적인 분석을 위하여 산업현장에서 통용되고 있는 분류체계 중에서 대한무역투자진흥공사(KOTRA)에서 수출입 자동차 부품 집계용으로 분류 사용하고 있는 6대 분류체계를 본 연구에 적용하였다. 이에 따른 연구 결과로 외향연결중심성(방향성 있음/없음)과 매개 중심성(방향성 없음)에서 부품기능별 유의미한 차이점을 확인할 수 있었다. 이를 통해 한국자동차산업에서의 부품기능별 부품 네트워크 특성 이해와 더불어 한국자동차산업 정책 전반에 참조할 수 있는 시사점을 제공하고자 하는데 본 연구의 목적이 있다.Understanding the automotive supply chain structure has received greater focus due to the disruption caused by Covid-19. Above all, a sustainable supply chain is now essential for companies’ survival. Particularly, the automobile parts industry, which has a complex supply chain structure, is difficult to understand through individual supplier analysis. Therefore, to provide better understanding for the structure of the auto parts supply chain, it is necessary to analyze the broad network. We analyzed the auto parts network of the Korean automobile industry using social network analysis (SNA). Previous studies considered the centrality of each individual company (degree centrality, betweenness centrality, closeness centrality) with specific parts (brakes, etc.). This study included the auto parts, classified by function and most major parts, and analyzed the characteristics of the network of the Korean automobile industry by part We found significant differences among part groups based on function with degree centrality and betweenness centrality. This study can provide the automobile industry policy suggestions through understanding of the characteristics of the Korean automobile parts network.

독일과 한국 자동차 산업의 글로벌가치사슬에 관한 비교연구

본 논문에서는 교역국간의 총수출을 16개의 부가가치 요소로 나누는 Wang-Wei-Zhu 분해법을 이용하여 독일과 한국 자동차 부문의 총 회계 구조를 비교 분석하였다. Wang-Wei-Zhu 분해법은 일련의 분해과정을 통하여 국제 생산 공유의 패턴을 이해하는데 도움이 된다. 자동차 총수출의 16개의 부가가치 요소는 크게 수출에 내재된 국내 부가가치와 해외 부가가치로 나눌 수 있는데, 본 논문에서는 다시 8개의 부가가치 구성요소로 재구성하여 설명하였다. 본 연구에 활용된 자료는 2014년을 기준년으로 2016년에 발표된 세계투입산출표(WIOD)이다. 자동차 생산 세계 순위를 기준으로 세계투입산출표에 포함된 총 43개국 중 14개국을 선정하고 나머지 국가는 기타 국가(ROW)로 통합하여 총 15개국을 연구 대상으로 하였으며, 총 56개 산업은 자동차, 제약, 건설 등 주요 산업과 함께 30개의 산업으로 통합하였다. 분석 결과를 보면 생산자 가격으로 평가한 총 생산량과 중간재 소비와 관련된 부가가치 수출(VAX) 비율이 양국간 큰 차이가 있음에도 불구하고 독일과 한국의 주요 수출국은 미국이다. 독일 자동차 부문의 수직적 특화(VS) 비율은 한국보다 큰 것으로 분석되었다. 독일과 한국 모두 자동차 수출에 있어서 글로벌 공유 양식을 보이고 있는 것은 흥미로운 일이다. 또한 최종 수출품에 포함된 독일의 해외 부가가치 중 캐나다가 차지하는 비중이 가장 높은 것으로 분석된 반면, 최종 수출품에 포함된 한국의 해외 부가가치 중 프랑스가 차지하는 비중이 가장 큰 것으로 분석되었다.

Analysis of Geographic Network Structure by Business Relationship between Companies of the Korean Automobile Industry

Analysis of Geographic Network Structure by Business Relationship between Companies of the Korean Automobile Industry

코로나19사태와 자동차 산업의 미래 : 한국 자동차 산업을 중심으로

본 연구는 최근의 Virus Pandemic 상황으로 인해 세계가 겪고 있는 여러 가지 힘든 상황에 대한 일련의 고찰이다. 특히 인간들의 이동이 극도로 제한됨으로 해서, 실질적인 인적교류는 물론이거니와 국가간 경제활동의 위축을 가져오는 전대미문의 세계적 재난임에는 틀림없다. 한국의 경우, 자동차산업이 차지하는 국가적 중요성에 비추어볼 때, 이러한 상황의 결과로 인한 시장의 불경기는 실로 중요한 사안임을 깨닫게 한다. 따라서 본고에서는 이러한 국가 및 국제적 자동차 상황에 비추어, 오랜기간 지속적으로 진화하고 있는 세계 자동차 산업과, 한국의 자동차 산업에 대해 살펴본다. 그리고 이를 거울삼아 코로나19로 인한 한국 자동차 산업의 피해상황 및 향후 지구 환경에 걸맞는 자동차 산업의 미래를 재조명하고자 한다. 이에는 자동차 산업의 기술적 진보와 더불어 환경친화적 자동차의 면면에 대해 보다 기술 혁신적이고, 환경친화적이며 그리고 인간 중심의 자동차 기술과 문화에 대한 대안모색을 하는 측면에서 본 연구를 진행하였다.

한국 자동차산업의 대독일 수출경쟁력 분석

한국 자동차산업의 대독일 수출경쟁력 분석

When Does Auto-Parts Suppliers’ Innovation Reduce Their Dependence on the Automobile Assembler?

Purpose - This study is to investigate the determinants of suppliers’ dependence on buyers in the home country by developing a theoretical model of innovative activities. The high dependence of auto parts suppliers on a single local buyer in South Korea due to firm ownership issues and incremental innovation is examined using data from a set of organizations that supply intermediate goods to this automotive manufacturer. Furthermore, we tested the moderating effect of FDI and global knowledge sourcing on the relationship between firm ownership and suppliers’ dependence on the local buyer. Design/methodology - To test the hypotheses, we examined a sample of 101 suppliers over 10 years in the Korean automobile parts industry. In this empirical analysis, we utilized a fixed-effects generalized least squares model using panel data. Findings - In this study, domestic firms (automobile parts suppliers) were more dependent on a single local buyer (automobile assembler) than foreign-owned suppliers operating in Korea. In addition, incremental innovation was the mediating mechanism between domestic firms and dependence on the local buyer. To reduce this dependence on the buyer, we suggest two different international strategies: geographical diversification through FDI and global knowledge sourcing. Originality/value - Previous studies showed that asymmetric dependence between firms has many adverse effects. This study proved that domestic and foreign-owned suppliers have different levels of dependence on local buyers due to their heterogeneous characteristics and business strategies. We distinguish two different types of innovation - radical innovation and incremental innovation - that previous studies have often treated as equal when it comes to firm autonomy. Finally, we propose that both FDI and international knowledge sourcing as global strategies to weaken suppliers’ asymmetric dependence on a single buyer.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Application of structural equation based on big data in Korean automobile industry

Korea’s automobile industry has not developed for a long time, but it has achieved a leading position in the world, and also occupied part of the Chinese market. What causes this result is worth studying. Based on the big data, this paper uses the result equation model to analyze the development of Korean automobile industry in China

Optimization of the Technology Transfer Process Using Gantt Charts and Critical Path Analysis Flow Diagrams: Case Study of the Korean Automobile Industry

This research is focused on the technology transfer process in the automobile industry using project management tools. The aim of this research is the development of a technology-transfer model using Gantt charts and Critical Path Analysis flow diagrams to achieve a sustainable planning process in the global environment. To achieve this goal, the authors use Gantt charts and Critical Path Analysis flow diagrams. The hypothesis and three research questions are presented, which suggest a relationship between project management tools and the sustainable planning process of technology transfer. During the research, we use the case study of the Korean automobile industry as an excellent example of the technology-transfer process in global markets. A single project of technology transfer is discussed: the technology knowledge transfer from Korean headquarters to a Russian manufacturing subsidiary (Hyundai Motor Corporation). Quantitative data were collected through the open resources of the corporation; the qualitative data were analyzed through a case study and model parameter evaluation. The significant result that the combination of Gantt Charts and Critical Path Analysis flow diagrams methods improves the planning process for technology-transfer projects was found in this survey. It is noticed that (a) it is useful to apply project-management tools for technology transferring models; (b) Gantt Charts and Critical Path Analysis flow diagrams have a sustainable impact on technology transfer projects; and (c) critical paths and operational reserves in network diagrams help to optimize the planning process for technology transfer.

A Study on the Value Added Criterion of Rules of Origin under FTAs with the US and EU: Focusing on Automotive Sector

Purpose - This study deals with a strategic plan for meeting the value added criteria effectively, which is one of the methods of determining origin used in preferential trade such as FTA. Automobile products, one of the major Korean export items, were selected to give a practical use against the FTA requirements. Design/methodology - This study is based on the value-added criteria of the Korea-US and Korea-EU FTAs that apply various value-added criteria. The Korea-US FTA adopts the RVC method based on the integration, deduction and net cost methods, while the MC method is employed in the Korea-EU FTA. The methodology used in this work is an extended literature review, analysis of the value-added criteria applied to automobile products under Korea-US and Korea-EU FTA with some secondary statistics. Findings - Based on in - depth analysis of the value - added criteria requirements for automobile products stipulated in the Korea - US FTA and the Korea - EU FTA, two strategic considerations are suggested. First is ‘appropriate value-added strategy’ and the second is ‘strategy of changing production and trade structure’. The second strategy is a bit used in Korea but this is not considered best if the first strategy is ignored or forgotten. The second one is meaningful when this becomes inevitable. Research limitations/implications - This study is primarily designed to assist Korean auto mobile industry players exporting to EU and USA but this may help to auto part or material producers in FTA counter party territories being EU or USA as the preferential tariffs are applied on a inter region basis. A further research other than auto mobiles using other major FTAs might be followed later. Originality/value - There has been so far little research on strategic factors to meet the value-added origin requirements. This study, therefore, is expected to contribute facilitating the decision of FTA origin and to improve the utilization of FTA by allowing exporting companies using value added criterion to more smoothly meet origin requirements. This will also enable the tax authorities to utilize the value-added criterion to validate effectively the origin of imports where preferential tariffs are applied.

Craft Your Job and Get Engaged: Sustainable Change-Oriented Behavior at Work

Employees’ change-oriented behavior is known to be critical in promoting organizational changes for a sustainable organization. However, few studies have explored how this behavior can be potentially promoted by job-crafting and work engagement. This study examined the relationship between job-crafting and change-oriented behaviors (adaptive and proactive behaviors), as well as the mediating effect of work engagement. Hypotheses were tested with a structural equation modeling analysis. A total of 459 employees in the Korean automobile manufacturing industry participated in the study. The results show that job-crafting had a positive effect on adaptive behaviors and proactive behaviors. Moreover, seeking job resources and seeking job challenges promoted change-oriented behaviors through work engagement. Based on these results, practical implications are suggested for the development of a sustainable organization.