Title: Evolution of the South Korean wireless industry: from state guidance to global competition

Authors: Anil Hira; James Morfopoulos; Florence Chee

Addresses: Political Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada. ' 4297 Chelsea Crescent, North Vancouver, BC, V7R 3J4, Canada. ' Simon Fraser University, CPROST, HC 3542, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 5K3, Canada

Abstract: Two of the leading wireless manufacturers, LG and Samsung, got their start from Korean state-sponsored efforts to support industrialisation in advanced technology. These efforts follow an evolutionary trajectory of heavy handed state ‘guidance’ to a more regulatory approach in line with change circumstances and events, including the companies' success. While not without negative and idiosyncratic aspects, the South Korean experience in developing wireless champions points to a general strategy for state-private company relations for other developing nations. These include the importance of financial support, focused investments in human capital, and the interlinking of social capital networks around a common national purpose. As in the case of Nokia, the development of a specific sectoral strategy, the ability to absorb multiple failures along the way, and the embracing of a research and development strategy oriented towards global export success all suggest the importance of timing and learning featured in this edition.

Keywords: wireless technology; wireless communications; South Korea; LG; Samsung; Finland; industrial policy; technology policy; state-private partnerships; public-private partnerships; PPPs; financial support, focused investment; human capital; social capital networks; common national purpose.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTG.2012.045296

International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 2012 Vol.6 No.1/2, pp.65 - 86

Published online: 31 Oct 2014 *

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