Sources of Technological Capability in South Korea

This paper assesses the relative importance of contractual technology transfers and indigenous efforts in South Korea’s acquisition of technological capability. It also evaluates the role of export activity. The period covered is from the early 1960s, when Korea experienced its ‘economic take-off’, to the late 1970s. For historical perspective and for discussion of related aspects of direct foreign investment and export activity, reference may be made to Westphal, Rhee and Pursell (1981), from which this paper is extracted.