Strategies for technological development in South Korea and Taiwan: The case of semiconductors

This article examines the national systems of technological development in South Korea and Taiwan with particular reference to their semiconductor industries. The article looks at the experiences of South Korea and Taiwan in turn, showing how each of their national approaches to technological development has shaped their indigenous semiconductor industries, leading to the emergence of unique characteristics in both countries. From this discussion, a number of similarities and contrasts are identified between the South Korean and Taiwanese semiconductor industries and the potential for the vigorous and continued development of this important sector in each country is assessed on the basis of their current technological capabilities.