Coevolution of the Triangular Relationship: The State, Chaebols, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in South Korea

Key Points

• Examine the evolving triangular relationship between the state, chaebols, and SMEs in South Korea through co-evolution theory.
• Analyzed historical perspectives on the state-chaebols-SMEs relationship
• Applied co-evolution theory to understand the dynamic interactions
• Investigated key historical periods: industrialization, globalization, and economic security
• Identified structural factors driving changes in the triangular relationship
• Highlighted the importance of government support for SMEs post-democratization
• Demonstrated that survival pressures shaped the evolving dynamics of this relationship

Abstract