It is often said that many Asian countries have followed the Japanese model of industrial and technology policy. Among these Asian countries, Korea has been regarded as the most faithful follower of the Japanese model. This paper reviews the Korean technology transfer of the past and compares it with the Japanese experience, and points out the similarities and differences between them. It also draws some implications and lessons that may be considered by other Asian countries for developing their own technology transfer strategies.
Technology is transferred through various channels and by many different agents. The paper first reviews these channels and agents, and then a brief comparison between Korea and Japan in technology trade and R&D is introduced. Although various forms of technology transfer are considered, licensing is discussed more often than others in this paper. Since Korea's outward technology transfer is negligible, only inward technology transfer is discussed here. Having reviewed the historical evolution of technology development and transfer, the main features and characteristics of the process are pointed out. In order to gain some insights, technology transfer in the Korean electronics industry is examined in more detail. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges ahead for korea and makes some suggestions for Korea and other Asian developing countries.

Contents

I. Introduction

II. Historical Overview of Technology Transfer

III. Main Features and Characteristics

IV. The Case of the Korean Electronics Industry

V. Implications and Challenges

VI. Concluding Remarks

References