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Korea’s Corporate R&D and Digital Transformation: Present Landscape and Strategic Directions

Author

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  • Minsung Kang

    (Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade)

Abstract

This paper analyzes R&D investment and Digital Transformation (DX) technology utilization at South Korean manufacturing and service enterprises during the period from 2017 to 2023 using data extracted from the Survey of Business Activities by the Ministry of Data and Statistics. Overall, R&D activity levels are higher, more consistent, and more intensive in the manufacturing sector than in the service sector, but even as service firms are less likely to engage in R&D, they have pursued digital transformation (DX) at a higher rate, albeit with greater variability and significant size-based polarization. DX contributes more to competitiveness in services than in manufacturing, and small firms lag significantly in both sectors. Based on the results of the analysis, the paper recommends expanding customized integrated support packages, building a full-cycle DX support system with strong human capital development, and shifting the regulatory sandbox toward a more flexible, ex post regulation framework to accelerate adoption and reduce disparities.

Suggested Citation

  • Minsung Kang, 2026. "Korea’s Corporate R&D and Digital Transformation: Present Landscape and Strategic Directions," Industrial Economic Review 022561, Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:kieter:022561
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    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • L60 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - General

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