뿌리산업 공급망 내 ESG 양극화 현상에 관한 연구: K-ESG 데이터를 활용한 그룹별 성과 변화 과정 분석

This study presents an empirical analysis of the ESG polarization phenomenon, which is defined as the asymmetric impact of strength- ening global ESG regulations on South Korea’s Ppuri industry, the foundation of the manufacturing sector, and its corresponding supply chain. The study also investigates the resulting dual risk in relation to this. For this purpose, a comparative analysis of the environmental (E) performance of three groups, consisting of conglomerates, top-tier Ppuri companies, and general Ppuri companies, was conducted over a three-year period (2021-2023) based on the K-ESG Guideline v2.0. The analysis revealed a statistically significant hierarchical structure in performance among the groups. A clear trend of polarization was observed, with the gap widening over time. This disparity was par- ticularly pronounced in strategic areas linked to future competitiveness, such as climate change response, rather than in operational items related to legal compliance. In this process, each group exhibited a distinct dynamic trajectory, with each categorized as a Leader, Follower, or Stagnant Group. This study suggests that if left unaddressed, the observed ESG capability gap could trigger a dual risk, specifically sup- ply chain decoupling or a joint decline in competitiveness, threatening the stability of the Ppuri industry supply chain, which forms the foundation of the nation’s manufacturing sector. Based on this diagnosis, this paper seeks to propose specific, differentiated policy support measures tailored to the characteristics of each group and phased ESG adoption strategies for firms.