The British science journal Nature on May 27 published Nature Index 2020 South Korea and highlighted the R&D investment that made Korea a global leader. (Screen capture from Nature Index's website)
By Kim Minji
The British science journal Nature on May 27 highlighted Korea's research strategy in a special issue dubbed "Nature Index 2020 South Korea."
In the article "How South Korea made itself a global innovation leader," the journal said, "Systemic reform backed by strong investment has brought rapid and long-lasting results."
Nature Index is a database of author affiliations and institutional relationships that track contributions to research articles published in 82 natural science journals. This was the first time for the magazine to produce a special issue on Korea since 1993.
"To maintain economic growth, the nation has sought to become a 'first mover,' instead of simply a 'fast follower,'" the article said, lauding Korea for lavishly spending on R&D. "As a percentage of its gross domestic product, its spending on research and development is second only to Israel's."
Nature Index also hailed Korea's top-down approach, saying, "The high R&D intensity that helped Korea become a global leader in information and communication technologies has emerged from a historically 'top-down' innovation system that promotes close collaboration between government, industry, and the academic community in the process of nation building."
"The top-down division can claim successes, too, including playing a key role in the nation's ability to quickly develop and produce diagnostic kits for COVID-19."
The issue also introduced Korea's top 50 institutions for chemistry and science as well as rising institutions.
kimmj7725@korea.kr