Sometimes I get the feeling that South Korea isn’t even on the map for some UK organisations as a potential research partner, so it got me thinking why? What puts people off? Is it because the country is an unknown quantity, or just too far away? Alternatively is it because of the lack of commonality between the two nations - language barriers, different educational traditions - could it just be that South Korea wasn’t part of the British Empire?
It is difficult to isolate one reason, but should these make a difference? With South Korea’s stable, hi tech economy and its drive to publicly, and privately, fund research projects, opportunities abound for those that choose to embrace this country.
For some in the UK collaboration is becoming more of a realistic option. Increasingly South Korean researchers are working in UK research institutions and, through their contacts, are providing bridges back to Korea and advanced Korean research institutes.
So what are the benefits? A straw poll of UK researchers who are already involved in research collaborations in South Korea suggest that, despite an initial reluctance to enter the market, they have been pleasantly surprised at what the country has to offer. They say the links they have developed have been invaluable and have benefited them in the following ways:
Access to Korean research grants
Unlike the UK, Korea is saying "what recession?". Korea's government and industrial R&D spend is currently 3.47% of GDP. The Korean government plans to raise this to 5% by 2012 (Korea is the world's 15th largest economy so this is a lot of money!)
Knowledge transfer and commercialisation of research
Korean universities have close links to industry and have proven routes for fast innovation of technologies.
World class research facilities
Korea spends considerable resources on its research infrastructure. Labs are spacious, well equipped and researchers have good access to advanced equipment.
High-quality, well-trained, hard-working post-doctorates/staff
Need I say more?
This might seem too good to be true, but in these resource-constrained times, where the UK and other recession affected partners are offering less to fewer organisations, can you afford not to consider South Korea?
Dominic McAllister
UKTI South Korea