Science and Technology Policy
A Chronological Review
Korean S&T policy has passed through several different phases,
responding to changing national development objectives and strategy.
Throughout the period of rapid economic growth and industrialization,
S&T policy has been adjusted to meet economic and social needs.
In the 1960's, the main goal of development was to lay a foundation for
industrialization through the development of import-substitution industries,
expansion of light industries, and support for producer-goods industries.
Science and technology strategy was to strengthen scientific and technical
education, to build up technological infrastructures, and to promote the
import of foreign technololgy. During this period, the Ministry of Science and
Technology was established to undertake scientific and technological
development. The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), an
industrial technology research institute, was created in 1966. That following
year, in 1967, the Science and Technology Promotion Law was enacted.
During the 1970's, science and technology strategy aimed at strengthening
technical and engineering education in the heavy and chemical industry
fields, improving the institutional mechanism for adapting imported technology,
and promoting R&D to meet industrial needs. That strategy was attuned to
the government's efforts to expand the heavy and chemical industries. In
line with the strategy, government - supported R&D institutes were
established in the fields of machinery, shipbuilding, marine science, electronics,
electricity, etc. The Technology Development Promotion Law and the
Engineering Services Promotion Law were also enacted. In the course of
industrialization, the manufacturing sector was expanded substantially and
effecfively contributed to Korea's economic growth.
During the 1980's, industrial policy was directed to transforming the
industrial structure into one based on comparative advantage, to expanding
technology-intensive industry, such as machinery and electronics, and to
encouraging technical manpower development. It was during this period that the government Launched natioal R&D projects that were targeted at strengthening indigenous R&D policy, and private industries started to establish thier own labs to meet the growing need for techology development.
Finally, in the 1990's, the current administration set its policy goal at improving overall national comprtituveness. In particular, structural adjustment of industries, technological innovation, improvement of information networks, efficient use of human and other resources, etc., are emphasized as means to enhance industrial competitiveness. In the science and technology Field, policy emphasis is placed on the reinforcement of the national R&D projects, strengthening demand-oriented technology development, and globalization of R&D activities.
Current Science and Technology Policy
The Korean government aims to reach the level of the G-7 countries
in science and technology by the early 21st century. To achieve this
goal, the following policies are being pursued.
First, the government will reinforce the national R&D projects that have
been implemented since 1982 to enhance the competitiveness of leading
industries and lay the foundation for future industrial development.
Emphasis will be given to the strategic fields of high-technologies and core
technologies such as biotechnology, new materials, engineering, big science
and multidisciplinary technology including aerospace, ocean, nuclear
energy, and advanced precision technologies. In carrying out these projects,
broad and active participation of private sectors is very much encouraged.
To increase the efficiency of the R&D projects, the government also has
introduced within its government-supported organizations the "Project
Base System," whereby researchers get to work under their own names in
1996.
Second, the government will promote basic science and place special
emphasis on training the creative scientists and high-caliber technological
manpower to lead the globalization of science and technology. The Korea
Advanced Institute of Science and Technology will be reformed into
Outline of Development
| period
| Industrialization
| S&T Development
|
| 1960's
| Develop import-substitution industries
Expand export-oriented light industries
Support producer goods in dustries
Strengthen S&T education
Deepen scientific and technologycal infrastructure
Promote foreign technology imports
| |
| 1970's
| Expand heavy and chemical industries
Shift emphasis from capital import to technology import
Strengthen export-oriented industrial competitiveness
Expand technical training
Improve institutional mechanism for adapting imported technology
Promote research applicable to industrial needs
| |
| 1980's
| Transform industrial structure to one of comparative advantage
Expand technology-intensive industry
Encourage manpower development and improve productivity Of industries
Develop and acquire top-level scientists and engineers
Launch the national R&D projects
Promote industrial technology development and industrial labs
| |
| 1990's
| Promote industrial structure adjustment and technical innovation
Promote efficient use of human and other resources
Improve information networks
Reinforce national R & D projects
Strengthen demand-oriented technology development system
Globalize R&D systems and information networks
| |
a world-class leading institution of advanced education and research. For the
promotion of basic science, R&D investment in universities and colleges will be
increased to 12% of the total R&D by the year 2001. SRCs, ERCs and RRCs will
also be expanded to promote basic scientific research. In parallel with these
measures, the government will pursue the upgrading of higher education in the
fields of science and technology through continuous investments. As an
institutional base for basic scientific research, the government will create the
"Korea Institute for Advanced Study" where world-renowned scientists and
promising young scientists will be invited for research in their own fields.
Third, the government will continue to provide a variety of support
and incentives, including tax and financial aid to private enterprises, in
order to accelerate industrial technology innovation. Through policy
measures, we aim to stimulate the R & D activities of private industries.
Fourth, the government will pursue technological self-reliance in the
safe use of nuclear energy. For this purpose, we will readjust the long - term
goals and directions of nuclear development. In addition, we will
expand technical cooperation and technology transfer on the basis of our
accumulated experience and technology in designing, constructing and
operating nuclear power plants. As part of this, Korea will pursue active
participation in international fusion research programs.
Fifth, the government will make efforts to enhance the awareness of
science and technology among youth and the general public and foster a
healthy culture of science and technology.
Finally, international cooperation in science and technology will
be promoted and strengthened through such activities as joint research
projects, exchange of scientists and information, invitation of foreign
scientists, and exchanging R&D labs with foreign institutes. The Korean
government has been expanding both bilateral and multilateral
international cooperation. As of November 1995, the Korean government
exchanged scientific and technical cooperation agreements with thirty-st
countries. Korea is also expanding technical assistance to developing
countries by sharing its experiences and technologies for their industrial
development.
