The role of universities in research and development and technical services (R&D&TS) in Korea

Abundant hard-working and well-educated human resources were the important sources of the spectacular economic success during the last decades. In contrast to the past sources of economic growth during the 1970’s when labor and capital along with economies of scale were the dominant factors (the university has played an important role in the national economic success by supplying quality labour and intellectual talent), the level of science, technological innovation and capital inputs will be of vital importance for future economic growth in Korea. The balance of payments in technology transfer together with the current state of R&D activities has been reviewed and some of the issues and problems underlying the university system that tend to hinder research in collaboration with research institutes and industries have been outlined. Serious imbalance in the allocation of research funds among research sectors was identified as the most serious problem to be fixed. The importance of science and technology education in private universities for the enhancement of the national level of science and technology has been re-examined. Also research and development in engineering and technical services has been emphasized. In conclusion, ways to bolster the role of universities in the research environment in cooperation with industry and research institutes have been suggested.