An Integrated Framework for South Korea’s Industrial Development: Developmental Governance, Industrial Policy, and Technological Upgrading

South Korea has achieved one of the world's most remarkable industrial transformations, evolving from a low-income agrarian economy into a global leader in advanced manufacturing, technology, and innovation. While previous studies have emphasized export-oriented growth, human capital, foreign technology acquisition, and industrial policy as key drivers, relatively few have integrated these factors within a comprehensive developmental governance framework. This study analyzes the principal determinants of South Korea's industrial development, with particular emphasis on the developmental state and industrial development strategy. Using a qualitative research design based on documentary research, systematic literature review, and qualitative content analysis, the study synthesizes evidence from academic literature, government reports, and international organizations. The findings indicate that South Korea's industrial success resulted from the interaction of developmental leadership, institutional capacity, strategic industrial policy, export-oriented industrialization, technological capability, innovation system development, infrastructure investment, human capital formation, and continuous policy learning. Rather than relying solely on market mechanisms, the Korean government established an adaptive governance system capable of coordinating, implementing, evaluating, and continuously refining industrial policies. The study concludes that institutional capacity, strategic governance, and adaptive industrial policy constitute the foundation of sustainable industrial development and provide valuable policy lessons for developing countries pursuing structural transformation and long-term industrial competitiveness.

کلیدواژه ها:

South Korea ، Industrial Development ، Developmental State ، Industrial Policy ، Institutional Capacity ، Structural Transformation ، Industrial Competitiveness ، Policy Learning