Korean Energy Economic Review ISSN:1599-7057(Print) 에너지경제연구

In the recent global context, Korea faces both opportunities and challenges in implementing industrial policies towards achieving the 2050 carbon neutrality goal, given its industrial structure with a focus on energy-intensive exports. We analyzes the forward and backward linkages GVC participation of key industries in major countries using ADB-MRIO data. While Korea historically had a high proportion of backward participation, driven by processed trade, since 2010, there has been an increase in forward linkage activities due to enhanced competitiveness in materials and components in the electronics and chemical industries. Evaluation of the Revealed Comparative Advantage index for key technologies based on UN Comtrade data reveals that, excluding wind tower flanges, Korea holds a lower competitive position in the export of renewable energy generation facilities than other countries. Particularly, in the export of ammonia goods closely related to hydrogen production, Korea demonstrates a significantly unfavorable comparative position.