제2 쇄빙연구선 건조사업의 과학기술적 편익

The Korean government is considering the implementation of project to build the 2nd icebreaker research ship (IRS) to improve the level of arctic research. Information on the scientific benefits from the project is widely demanded for decision-making about whether to implement the project. In this regard, this study attempts to apply a choice experiment (CE) to measure the scientific benefits from the project in Korea by considering various attributes that are related to building the 2nd IRS. A survey of about 500 experts was undertaken and 123 experts completely responded to the survey. To deal with the CE data from the survey, we employ a multinomial logit (MNL) model. All the coefficient estimates are statistically significant and consistent with prior expectations. Therefore, we can judge that the respondents’ works required in the CE survey were within their cognitive abilities and they reported responsible and significant values. The results show that the marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for building a 2nd IRS with the size of 12,000 ton relative to that with the size below 12,000 ton is estimated to be 260.85 billion won. In addition, the MWTPs for arctic exploration and research, arctic global environmental change research, arctic international R&D cooperation, and antarctic activity support are computed to be 1,001.25, 338.26, 245.57, and 609.27 billion won, respectively. The MWTPs for external use of the 2nd IRS during one month per year, more than 300 papers, and a patent are calculated to be 56.15, 320.72, and 1.40 billion won, respectively. All the MWTP estimates are statistically significant and provides good information on the scientific values about building the 2nd IRS. The results can be utilized in evaluating and planning several alternatives related to building the 2nd IRS.