The Impact of Central Government Research Funding on Regional Export Performance

This study conducted an empirical analysis of the impact of central government research funding on regional export competitiveness in South Korea, focusing on 16 regions from 2009 to 2022. The evaluation of the time-lag effects of research funding and future export performance revealed that while the short-term impact was minimal, significant positive effects were observed in the medium to long term. Specifically, research funding was found to contribute positively to export volumes 1 to 3 years later, highlighting its role as a critical investment for enhancing future export competitiveness. The study demonstrates that the level of government research funding has a significant impact on improving export performance, underscoring its importance as a key policy tool for regional economic growth and export promotion. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the need for tailored policies to enhance the efficiency of research funding allocation and to promote balanced regional development.