A web of stakeholders and strategies: a case of broadband diffusion in South Korea

When a new technology is launched, its diffusion becomes an issue of importance. There are various stakeholders that influence diffusion. The question that remains to be determined is their identification and roles. In this paper we outline how the strategies pursued by the government acting as the key stakeholder affected the diffusion of the technology. We base our analysis on a theoretical framework derived from innovation diffusion and stakeholder theories. The empirical evidence comes from a study of the broadband development in South Korea. A web of stakeholders and strategies is drawn to identify the major stakeholders involved and highlight their relations. The case of South Korea offers implications to other countries which pursue broadband diffusion strategies.