An alternative approach to developing science parks: A case study from Korea

Abstract.

In 1973, the Korean government initiated a plan to establish a major high-technology research complex, called Daeduck Science Park (DSP). The Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) designated 27 square kilometers of land in Taejon, a city of 1.3 million people (1999) for the creation of the park. By 1998, the DSP had grown to host some 60 institutions employing about 12,000 scientists and technicians, and approximately 5000 support staff. This research note reviews the process involved in developing the DSP, evaluates the outcome of the project, and suggests policy alternatives. Data used were collected from a planning project and from interviews with officials of the MST and the DSP Management Office. It can be concluded that the plan for the DSP was successfully implemented and the guidelines contained in the original plan were well observed. Some problems that emerged in the earlier stages, such as a lack of local economic benefits and political input, are now being corrected. The DSP does provide adequate working and residential environments for those who work for the research and educational institutions that contribute to the advancement of the nation's scientific and technological research.