A distributive comparison of enterprise size in Korea and Taiwan

Within the existing research dealing with the economic development of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Taiwan, there is a broad consensus that the backbone of industrialization in South Korea has been the chaebols (conglomerate business groups) rather than small and medium-sized enterprises, while in Taiwan's economic development, SMEs have been the driving force for growth. The purpose of the study is to verify by meens of statistical data the appropriateness of this general perception which sharply contrasts the sizes of the enterprises that have been central to economic development in the two economies. (DÜI-Sen)