Prioritizing Telecommunications Service Policies in South Korea: An Innovation System Approach

Although the telecommunications service industry has become a basic infrastructure component of the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, it is now losing its reputation as a cash cow due to achieving a saturation of service subscribers, especially in South Korea. With the exception of improving network speeds, network operators are experiencing difficulties in creating new innovations. Therefore, new innovations for the telecommunications service industry should be identified in conjunction with government policies for industry promotion. To examine the innovative capabilities of a specific industry, innovation system theories were used as a framework for research. However, existing innovation systems are limited with regard to explaining the openness of relationships and user participation which are general properties of the ICT industry. Moreover, as sources of innovative activity, additional values such as financial support and collaboration are more appropriate. This study presents a new innovation system based on innovation values. We analyze the telecommunications service industry and prioritize the importance of telecommunication policies within South Korea. An in-depth interview with experts based on the innovation system framework is conducted first. Next, innovation factors derived from the interview are applied within an analytic hierarchy process (AHP), leading to a prioritization of innovation factors for the telecommunications service industry.