Facing Past and Present Challenges to Social & Economic Development

사회경제개발에 대한 과거와 현재 직면과제

Koreans have emphasized education as the primary means to reconstruct our country means to reconstruct our country after two catastrophic events-the Japanese occupation and the Korean War(1950-1953). A Strong belief- in education coupled with sheer deter-mination spurred the period of industrial and eeonomic development that started in the early 1970-'s. The "can-do" attitude of the general public was matched and aided by small S & T communities. Scientists and engineers provided the neeessary expertise to manufacture goods and process the many raw materials imported from overseas. After nearly three decades of reconst-ructing our completely devastated country, Korea has become a modern, cosmo-politan, fast-paced and dynamic country. In order to further increaser our manufac- turing capabilities and double the per-capita income by the beginning of the 21st century, we must improve productivitiy and encourage creatitivity in all sectors of our country. The S & T community's efforts in research and development. education, and interna-tional cooperation will be invaluable in determining our direction and reaching these goals. The general public is eager to peacefully unite our foreign powers since 1945. Toward that end. members of the S & T community are willing to coope-rate with our north Korean counterparts in all areas of S & T with the exception of defense related endeavors. Establi-shing scientific ties with north Korea will result in mutual economic benefit and greater regional stability in East Asia. In particular. scientists and manu-facturers in each province are eager to initiate cordial and professional relation-ships with north Korea in the hopes of securing these benefits. The Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies(KOFST) has played an important role both in developing S & T policies, and in gostering the frowty of S & T societies. A non-governmental umbrella organization composed of over 251 professional societies, KOFST facili-tates the transfer of research outcomes and technology from research institutions to the various industries. KOFST also seeks to increase cooperation between the countries of the Pacific Rim. As evidence of that, we have pursued joint research and industrial ventures with China. Established projects include those on environmental conditions in the Yellow Sea, and improvement of aircraft manufacturing, telecommunica-tion equipment, and agricultural produ-cts. Increased cooperation between the Pacific Rim countries, particularly in S & T, would foster social and economic development for the region as a whole.