Regional R&D Efficiency in Korea from Static and Dynamic Perspectives

Han U., Asmild M. and Kunc M. Regional R&D efficiency in Korea from static and dynamic perspectives, Regional Studies. Research and development (R&D) efficiency has gained great attention in regional innovation research. This study examines the R&D efficiency patterns of 15 Korean regions for 2005-09. It employs data envelopment analysis to identify the regions' R&D performances relative to the best practices from the static perspective, and the Malmquist productivity index to evaluate their changes in performance within a given timeframe, providing a dynamic perspective. The results classify the Korean regions into deteriorating, lagging and improving groups, and indicate that most regions suffer from declining R&D productivity over time because of their inability to catch up with the best practices.