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In terms of international competition, the most significant feature of the last thirty years has been the increasing success of first Japan and then other Eastern countries in penetrating the markets of the traditional centres of technological expertise in Europe and North America. The role of design in this success has tended to be neglected in academic studies. The present study concentrates on six firms and four products in the S. Korean electronics industry between 1981 and 1985, a period in which output increased by an average of 20% per year. An attitude survey of company managers and designers views on the role of design was conducted. Finally, an attempt was made to assess the quality of Korean imports to the UK though examination of Consumer Research Association reports. Seven factors are identified as contributing to the success of the S. Korean electronics industry: 1) The role of government in indigenous technological development 2) Adaptation of imported technology rather than adoption 3) Top management involvement 4) The potential of cheap labour 5) Learn lessons from foreign competitors 6) Reduced reliance on Japan and other donors 7) Own products in export For the four products, a high degree of Korean independence in design is identified. This is particularly so for styling and chassis design but less so for the design of component parts. The attitude survey found that there is a tendency for both designers and non-designers in the firms to be in agreement regarding the importance of industrial design, advanced technology and the integration of marketing and design policy with all activities. An overall picture emerges of an industry that claims to support the importance of design but draws some of its ideas from overseas. However, some misunderstanding of the role of design was detected. The thesis concludes that the diverse nature of present and possible future problems requires a synthetic approach involving three parties. namely the government, industry and education, and design education will need to be improved before this can happen

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