Dong-Sung Cho

Cooperative R&D in Japan and Korea: a comparison of industrial policy

This article compares and evaluates Japanese and Korean industrial policies aimed at promoting the research activities of firms, with focus on government-sponsored R&D consortia. Korean R&D promotion policies were introduced 20– 30 years later than Japan. In contrast to the Japanese case, Korean protective industrial policies prolonged and encouraged the duplication of technological capabilities among the major chaebols. Korean R&D consortia did not fully promote R&D cooperation, knowledge-sharing, or scale economies equivalent to the Japanese level. The organizational and institutional structure which developed under Korean industrial policy became an obstacle to the effective implementation of cooperative R&D.

Determinants of bargaining power in OEM negotiations

Abstract The objective of this article is to develop a model that measures the distribution of bargaining power between a sourcer of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) products and a manufacturer (i.e., supplier) of OEM products. The article first introduces the characteristics of OEM contracts that distinguish themselves from other buyer and seller relationships. It then presents a dyadic model of bargaining power between manufacturers and sourcers of OEM products. The model is applied to a case history of OEM negotiations between HS Corporation, A Korean footwear manufacturer, and Nike of the United States. The model proves to be useful in two ways. First, it provides a framework for understanding the dynamics of OEM contract negotiations that transpired between HS and Nike. Second, the model suggests ways each party can enhance its bargaining position.

From subsidizer to regulator— The changing role of Korean Government☆

Abstract Executives and analysts are increasingly interested in the relationships that have existed between the Korean Government and business, and the way these relations have changed during recent decades as the economy has developed. The paper initially divides the governments roles into three categories: subsidizer, regulator and rule-setter. By then emphasizing the roles of subsidizer and regulator, the article develops four models of business-government relations: laissez-faire , mercantilism, paternalism, and constitutionalism. Research using content analysis of Koreas economic history has revealed that the nature of business-government relations has changed from laissez-faire in an early period (1945–1960) to mercantilism in a succeeding period (1961–1972), to paternalism (1973–1979), and then most recently to constitutionalism (1980–1991). Although it is premature to predict the direction of Korean business-government relations in the future, the trends suggest that they will move toward constitutionalism as the Korean economy matures to an advanced stage.

Enhancing national competitiveness through national cooperation: The case of South Korea and Dubai

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how countries can make a more efficient and effective cooperation strategy, considering their competitive strengths and weaknesses. Design/methodology/approach This paper is an exploratory study in examining the efficient way of national cooperation from the competitiveness perspective. By applying the double diamond-based nine-factor model and the framework for the life cycle of national competitiveness, this study proposes the importance of cooperation strategy, considering the current competitiveness status. A case study of two economies of South Korea (hereafter referred to as Korea) and Dubai reveals a potentially substantial cooperative relationship. Findings Although Korea and Dubai are geographically and culturally distant, they share complementary resources to enhance their overall competitiveness. In addition, their past experiences of growth can effectively deal with their current challenges and help their economies move to more advanced stage. Practical implications The methodology used in this paper can provide a useful guideline for policy makers to examine the current development status of their economies, find an appropriate cooperation partner and decide the priority of cooperating areas. Originality/value Although most existing studies explain national competitiveness from a narrow perspective, this paper provides a more comprehensive analysis using the extended model of Porter’s single diamond model. In addition, this paper conducts an intensive case study of Dubai and Korea for possible cooperation.

International Review of National Competitiveness

This book provides rankings of national competitiveness alongside a series of sophisticated and specific guidelines for enhancing national competitiveness.

A Proposed Industrial Classification System Based on Core Competences

The Standard Industrial Classification Code (SICC) is based on the external characteristics of industries, including physical outputs, types and usage. Such external criteria are becoming increasingly inadequate to guide both management strategy and public policy, as firms seek new sources of advantage from diversification. In this paper a new classification based on core competences is introduced. This provides a new setting in which the effectiveness of diversification may be discussed.