THE CREATIVE ROLE OF THE STATE IN DEVELOPING THE CULTURAL INDUSTRY ECOSYSTEM: THE CASE OF SOUTH KOREA AND IMPLICATIONS FOR VIETNAM

Abstract

In the context of cultural industries becoming key growth drivers, the state’s role as a developer of the ecosystem has gained increasing attention. The paper examined South Korea’s state-led development of the cultural industry ecosystem using the developmental state framework and business ecosystem approach. The study identified three main roles of the state: (1) institutional architect - establishing legal frameworks and long - term strategies; (2) development sponsor - mobilizing public investment and social resources; and (3) intersectoral coordinator - linking stakeholders through specialized agencies. Drawing from Korea’s experience, four policy recommendations for Vietnam are proposed, including legal institutionalization, creation of coordinating bodies, dedicated financial mechanisms, and systematic investment in intangible ecosystem actors.