INSTITUTIONS AND TECHNOLOGICAL-DEVELOPMENT IN KOREA - THE ROLE OF THEPRESIDENCY

Neoclassical and developmental state approaches have underestimated im portance of institutions, regime dynamics, and coalitions in explainin g industrial development. To refine new theoretical frameworks, studie s of specific policy areas are needed. In the evolution of presidentia l involvement in technology policy in Korea, technical, economic, and social forces have combined to erode the president's absolute power ov er policy direction. Korean presidents are now more receptive to techn ology policy concerns and enlist advice beyond their inner circle. Wit h democratization, presidential success will increasingly rely on the ability to act as broker among different, contending interests. Such i mportant institutional shifts must be considered in explaining the dyn amics of the development state.