Comparative Analysis and Policy Implication of Saemaul Undong and PNDES Model of Cuba: Focusing on the Applicability of the Saemaul Undong

(Purpose) Korea’s 1970s Saemaul Undong was a successful community development model and one of the main factors behind Korea’s economic growth in just one generation of time. The National Economic and Social Development Plan until 2030 of Cuba (PNDES) by its acronym in Spanish, is a strategy created by the government to improve the living conditions of the Cuban people. This research aims to improve PNDES model of Cuba from the lessons of Saemaul Undong in Korea’s 1970s. (Design/methodology/approach) The research is developed using qualitative methodology, it analyzed and compared Saemaul Undong and PNDES based on role of government, community participation and implementation method criteria. (Findings) The research’s findings claim for importance of the National leader’s philosophy in the process of tackling existing issues. PNDES should implement a proper incentive system in order to encourage and promote community participation in the national development. Finally, citizens should be empowered by the provision of a leading role in the decision making process. (Research implications or Originality) The findings imply the existing policies should be reviewed and modified according to the current situation faced by the country and lessons from Saemaul Undong properly adapted to PNDES of Cuba could be the key to succeed and achieve economic development.