Structural characteristics of institutional collaboration in North Korea analyzed through domestic publications

Abstract

Stimulated by the Panmunjom Declaration on April 27, 2018, the authors have started identifying valid data sources and reliable standard methods to step inside North Korea. Taking a North Korea national approach to innovative capabilities, this research explores the status and structural characteristics of institutional collaboration during the year 2015. To accomplish this, the study takes a network analysis using co-authored publications in order to uncover the configuration of interaction based on the development of collaborative networks among various actors beyond the political sector. Data were obtained from a North Korean publication with a particular focus on innovation. Results show that while the political system strongly coordinates the North Korean innovation system, better linkage of research and production is needed in science-based problems, including better collaboration between universities.