Appropriate Technology and the Triple-Helix Model: A Case Study of Korea-Tanzania Appropriate Technology Center

적정기술과 트리플 헬릭스 모델: 한국-탄자니아 적정기술거점센터 사례 연구

In 2017, aiming at developing, educating, and commercializing innovative appropriate technologies that are suitable for Tanzanian environment, the Ministry of Science and ICT in Korea established an innovative technology and energy center in a Tanzanian university. Using the qualitative methodologies such as an ethnography of a research project, document analyses of memoranda of understandings, journal articles, reports, announcements, and newspaper articles, participant observation of formal and informal meetings, and semi-structured interviews with participants engaging in an appropriate technology center, this study examines how triple helix model in S&T innovation has been applied to the development of the Korea-Tanzania appropriate technology center. Despite growing importance in national S&T policies, only few studies have discussed office development aid (ODA) in association with innovation. The analysis of the appropriate technology center with the framework of the triple-helix model shows the close tie between official development aid (ODA) and the cross national innovation promoted in Korea. This study also contributes to understanding embedded organizational structure, conflicts, and barriers of an ODA project in Korea.