Pattern and trend of scientific knowledge production in North Korea by a semantic network analysis of papers in journal titled technological innovation

Abstract

This study aims to examine current trends and patterns of North Korea's knowledge production in science and technology (ST) by employing scientometrics analysis. In order to capture the distinctive nature and characteristics of ST activities in the Global South, this study analyzes co-occurring keywords of papers in the North Korean journal titled Technological Innovation to construct and visualize semantic and network structure of scientific knowledge. Although ST has long been emphasized as an important means of rebuilding the economy and society in the country, research and development (RD) activities have been veiled in the shadows, mainly due to difficulties in accessing adequate data and information. The results found that the terms "use" and "method" are predominately associated with a variety of keywords concerning urgent domestic issues regarding energy resources, agriculture, virus, and industrial automation. This pattern of knowledge production is manifested in the national ST policy framework that has primarily focused on applied and problem-solving knowledge and techniques responding to social and economic needs. While North Korea has embraced ST as a strategic means to cope with challenges encountered in its autarkic economy, a close and interactive relationship has established between science, technology and society.