In this paper, we reflect and evaluate 30 years of S&T collaboration between Korea and China. Also, we analyze various evolving factors that have framed the bilateral collaboration applying bibliometric analysis skills on data retrieved from the Web of Science. By synthesizing the historical and empirical analyses with relevant theoretical discussions, we suggest new strategic approaches that the Korean government should consider in the future S&T collaboration with China. Although Korea-China diplomatic normalization in 1992 has facilitated bilateral collaborative projects in various S&T fields, however, not many of them were sustained to achieve fruitful results. Meanwhile, Korea has suffered from decreasing bargaining power which was possibly resulted from her heavier reliance on China than vice versa. Furthermore, two countries’ high degree of similarity in S&T research portfolio has increased competitive and substitutive pressure on each side. On the other hand, China, partially contained by the US in access to state-of-the-art technologies, might more tend to consider alternative technology strategies maximizing the utilization of available technologies and pursue disruptive and even frugal innovations. Thus, Korea should take into account those Chinese characteristic factors in designing the future collaboration strategy. Furthermore, we argue that non-S&T fields should not be neglected even in pursuit of S&T innovation and building competitive advantage over China.
