North Korea outlawed failure. Now it expects innovation
North Korea has identified science and technology as key drivers of economic development. Yet a recent revision to its laws raises a fundamental question: Can a country foster genuine innovation if it punishes officials for failing to deliver technological progress?
TL;DR
- North Korea sees science and technology as vital for economic development.
- Revised laws in North Korea reportedly penalize officials for failing to meet technological progress targets.
- Penalties include unpaid labor for officials who fail implementation targets or falsify reports.
- The law also targets officials who create adoption plans as mere formalities or use unverified research that causes production issues.
- The effectiveness of punishing failure in fostering innovation is questioned.