Analyzing the Configuration of Knowledge Transfer of the Green Island Projects in S. Korea

This paper explores the cases of the Gapa and Gasa green (energy-independent) island projects, based on a micro-grid system, in S. Korea in the context of knowledge transfer. It analyzes the rationale of knowledge transfer (including the international environment such as the INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution) commitments), the process and objects of knowledge transfer (the actors involved and the objects (hardware/software/orgware)), as well as the degree and results of knowledge transfer (technological, economic, and environmental impacts) in the green island projects. Looking at the findings of both cases, this study reveals that although some meaningful results have been produced, the projects are so far based on a government-led top-down approach and overemphasize a ‘hardware-intensive’ way. In conclusion, this paper argues that the degree and results of knowledge transfer in the green island projects show an aspect of “incomplete transfer.” Also, it suggests that the green island projects in S. Korea are required to take ‘community-customized’ and ‘residents-friendly’ approaches in the comprehensive context of knowledge transfer.