A STUDY ON THE TECHNOLOGY LEVEL AND ITS DEVELOPMENT STAGE OF KOREAN CONSTRCUTION INDUSTRY

우리 나라 건설산업의 기술수준 및 기술개발 단계와 건설기술발전 방향

The importantce of a development of competitiveness in domestic construction industry is growing as some of domestic construction markets is scheduled to open to foreign competing firms with higher level of construction technology and management. A national level of competitiveness in domestic construction industry and firms are partially, but significantly, affected by a technology level and a characteristics of production pattern. The purpose of the study is mainly to analyze and identify a technology level, production pattern and a development stage of R&D activities of domestic construction industry and firms. Based on these findings the study draws on a concluding remarks and derives technology policy implications. Results of analysis in the study impliy that (1) competitiveness of domestic construction firms(industry) in terms of technology level is relatively weak as compare to that of advanced foreign competing firms, (2) degrees of substitution of capital for labor are seemed to be relatively high, (3) R&D (investment) activities of domestic construction firms are generally spread out in forms of import, adjustment and betterment, and (4) only a small number of big domestic construction firms are seemed to afford to R&D investment for research facilities and equipments, but not enough for higher level of R&D man-power. The study suggests that technology policy for construction industry should be based on a fundamental policy directions. For example the increase in size and heightened quality level of R&D man-power should be placed in a top priority in policy agenda. Sound and specific policy items should be developed for planning and design, and maintenace and inspection technology in order to lead domestic industry to compete with foreign firms with full strength.