Science and Technology of North Korea: Its Strengths and Potential Areas for North-South Cooperation

Science and Technology of North Korea: Its Strengths and Potential Areas for North-South Cooperation

This study examines the technical level of North Korea's S&T and identifies areas for potential North-South cooperation. First, North Korean media is analyzed for situations and trends from 2010 to 2015. Despite some commendable achievements, North Korean S&T remains lacking in basic science and commercialization potential. Despite an awareness of the importance of international cooperation, North Korea is hampered by international sanctions and their own caution, consequently concentrating their efforts on China. Details of their cooperation reflect their interests and needs to a certain extent, although their collaborations were mainly in the form of meetings and conferences rather than active joint research. To assess the potential areas of cooperation with South Korea, this study also draws on interviews with NGOs and professionals working with North Korea. The country's present situation is analyzed and some practical examples of possible cooperation is suggested. North Korea has the potential to expand its cooperation not only with South Korea but with many other countries. North Korea also promisingly expresses interest in cooperation.