Strategic technology roadmapping for inter-ministry R&D cooperation

Since the 2008 global economic crisis, South Korea has actively invested in R&D for technological competitiveness and new market access. Systematic strategies and cooperation between government departments investing in R&D are needed for maximum impact of these investments and efficient use of limited government financial resources. However, technology roadmaps established by individual ministries of the Korean Government lack linkages with national goals and do not provide clear guidance. Additionally, existing technology roadmaps provided by the Korean Government include only technology trees and timetables, but no other technology-supporting measures. This paper provides a strategic technology roadmapping process for inter-ministry R&D cooperation and offers selection criteria for the roadmap's target technologies and supporting measures such as improved legal systems, professional personnel training, and infrastructure replenishment for commercialisation of the target technologies. Finally, the paper presents a process to align national technology roadmaps with the government's R&D programs and budget allocation.