의료기기산업 클러스터 육성방안 연구: 원주의료기기산업 발달과정 고찰을 중심으로

Abstract

This study examined the development process of Wonju Medical Equipment Industry case and suggested the development plan of Medical Equipment Industry Cluster. For this purpose, we also reviewed Indiana Medical Industry Cluster and Kobe Medical Industry Cluster which were considered as successful cases in this area. Wonju Medical Industry started from the establishment of Incubation Center of medical Instrument in 1998 and since then there have been the building-up of many relevant institutes such as Post Business Incubator, Regional Research Center for Electronic Medical Equipment, Technology Innovation Center for Medical Equipment, Wonju Medical Industry Techno-Tower, Medical Engineering Cyber- Education Center, Foundation of Wonju Medical Industry Techno Valley, Foundation of Gwangwon Techno-Park, Wonju Branch, Complex of Medical Instrument, Wonju branch of Korea Technology Laboratory, Center of Oriental Medicine Industry etc. Wonju Medical Industry is composed of 65 enterprises and total sales amount to about 154 billion Won in 2006, which amount to 7.8% of total sales of medical equipments and 10.8% of exports in Korea. However, 95% of companies in Wonju Medical Industry produce an end-product and only six to seven companies cover more than 80% of total sales. Most of companies have less than ten employees. In this context, Wonju Medical Industry could be considered as the early stage of cluster formation. In conclusion, Wonju Medical Industry grew rapidly for a short period and was considered as having the potential enough to develop into industry cluster. However, there are some limitations on size of companies and lack of infrastructure for supporting companies. In order to develop into more competitive industry cluster, establishment of research center of medical instrument, strengthening financial support and manpower training system, marketing support, improvement of venture fund and tax system, efficient networking , integration of fragmented government programs are needed.