[2020-02]

S&T Policy of Kim Jong-un’s regime and Alternative futures

Jeong, Keonyeong

Moon Soul Graduate School of Future Strategy, KAIST

Seo, Yongseok

Moon Soul Graduate School of Future Strategy, KAIST

Abstract

Science and technology policy of Kim Jong-un’s regime in North Korea is more strategic and aggressive than ever before. Under the tight economic sanctions led by the US and its partners, the young leader makes a desperate effort to boost science and technology(S&T) for maintaining its political stability and achieving economic development. Despite growing concerns over the nuclear and security issues, studies addressed the alternative futures of North Korea are mainly focused on the economy, nuclear weapons, and stability of the regime. In this respect, this study explores various alternative futures for North Korea’s S&T policy from the perspective of the country, which are different from the viewpoints of most existing researches. To envision and propose alternative futures for North Korea’s S&T policy in 2050, we try to link uncertainty levels and the types of futures based on Voros’ future types and utilize the Dator’s alternative future model with key factors. Based on alternative futures, this study suggests a new perspective to better understand the plausible futures of S&T policies and strategies for a preferable future of the country.

Key words:North Korea, Alternative futures, S&T policy, Uncertainty, future fields.