Semiconductors and Quantum Technology

The global semiconductor technology is advancing rapidly, with an increasing number of diversified emerging applications. The National Science and Technology Council, coordinating cross-agency cooperating and division of labor, has initiated the research and development programs for compound semiconductors and Angstrom semiconductors in 2022. In response to the increasing demand for semiconductors in emerging industries, such as electric vehicles and telecommunications, we build upon the existing advantages of silicon-based semiconductor industry and develop core technologies of next-generation compound semiconductor, including manufacturing processes, equipment and materials. We also promote the cross-disciplinary applications of compound semiconductors. Angstrom Semiconductor has initiated early-stage research and development to establish a foundation for next-generation semiconductors, including advanced components, materials, advanced manufacturing processes, and testing techniques. The National Science and Technology Council has guided semiconductor research teams to engage in relevant fields and established independent technologies in the upstream, midstream, and downstream of Angstrom semiconductors. The semiconductor industry has become an important pillar and driving force for Taiwan's industrial economy. In order to make Taiwan a reliable partner in the global semiconductor supply chain, the government is committed to ensuring the acquisition of strategic resources and key technologies to eliminate supply chain concerns. To this end, the National Science and Technology Council launched the 2025 large-scale semiconductor research program to lay out the development of advanced semiconductor technologies and the cultivation of high-level R&D talents. It also promoted the 'The Advanced Chip Engineering Design and Fabrication (ACED Fab)' to encourage academic research cooperation in the semiconductor field between Taiwan and the United States. The National Science and Technology Council plans to construct an innovation ecosystem centered around advanced semiconductor research through cross-agency collaboration and strengthened public-private partnerships. The National Science and Technology Council will establish a long-term talent cultivation and research development framework for semiconductors, and expand investments in semiconductor research. In the future, it will also assist in nurturing international IC design talent and establish a global semiconductor ecosystem friendly to Taiwan. Quantum Technology In response to future global quantum technology revolution, the National Science and Technology Council has integrated industry, government, academia, and research institutes to establish a national quantum team since 2021. This initiative aims to engage top university teams in research and development, promote international collaborations, and connect with domestic industries. At present, the cross-ministry platform has been used to integrate academia, research institutes and industries to develop key quantum components based on semiconductor technology. In order to plan for this long-term high-value scientific research, our country's cutting-edge quantum research and development will focus on projects such as 'Quantum Components', 'Quantum Computers', “Quantum Algorithm', and 'Quantum Communication', with the goal to 'construct Taiwan's domestically-produced quantum computers capable of real computation and domestically-produced quantum communication networks with cybersecurity ensured'. We focus on developing independent quantum technology capabilities and nurturing Taiwan's future quantum technology industry.

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AI

AI has had a tremendous impact on products and services across various industries. Most countries have considered AI a strategic priority. Taiwan possesses excellent academic and research institutions, as well as STEM talents. We have a world-class information and communication technology industry, a comprehensive semiconductor supply chain, and cross-industry integration of applications and services. With its high innovation capabilities, Taiwan has inherent advantages in the development of AI. In order to grasp the opportunities in AI development, the government initiated the 'AI Taiwan Action Plan' (2018-2021) and has achieved remarkable results. We have established strong research capabilities in the fields of AI key technologies, digital health, smart manufacturing, and smart services; which has established strong research capabilities. Startups have thrived with the support of government and private resources. The cooperation among universities, research institutes, entrepreneurs and demanding businesses has promoted the development of various AI application demonstration cases, helping the industry to transform and upgrade. Taiwan has also attracted major international AI companies such as Google and Microsoft to set up R&D centers and startup accelerators in Taiwan. This has made the country an important AI innovation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Considering the various related risks brought about by the rapid development of AI, and to promote the value concept based on freedom and basic human rights, in the promotion of 'AI Taiwan Action Plan 2.0' (2023-2026), the emphasis is on utilizing the spirit of 'People-centric AI' to promote industrial transformation and upgrading and utilizing the core value of social well-being to lead in AI industrialization and scaling-up. The goal is to promote industrialization and scaling of AI, utilize AI to address societal issues, and facilitate the leap forward in AI national power. Starting from strengthening Taiwan's existing advantages, resources will be integrated to focus on five main tasks: Optimize and expand the talent pool Deepen AI software and core chip technology Improve data governance and AI legal environment Actively participate in international AI-related organizations Address humanistic and social issues

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Space Technology and 6G

Space Technology Over the past 30 years, Taiwan has established basic space center infrastructure, including integration and testing, research and development laboratories, satellite operation and control facilities, ground stations, and satellite image processing centers. During this period, Taiwan has established a number of space technology capabilities, especially in the fields of satellite platforms, high-resolution remote sensing payloads, multi-satellite operation and control systems, satellite image processing and analysis, and sounding rocket systems. In the future, in addition to continuing to promote the basic research of space science, personnel training and the development of the space industry, it will gradually move towards the goal of building two types of satellite constellations, telemetry satellites and communication satellites. 6G Taiwan has established a complete industrial chain in the field of 5G mobile communications, and has established globally competitive technology capabilities in the fields of mobile phone chips, radio frequency, base stations, and private networks. Some fields have also developed towards Beyond 5G. The National Science and Technology Council has begun to deploy 6G technology to meet the global 6G standard schedule. The cross-ministry and industry-university-research cooperation promoted by the National Science and Technology Council not only encourages universities to invest in 6G advanced technology research and development, but also strengthens the layout of 6G key intellectual property, develops prototype systems and related chips, participates in international organizations, and links future innovative applications. According to the trend in international standards, 3D networks will become a part of the 6G mobile network architecture. The nation is currently gradually accumulating research and development capabilities for low-orbit satellite communication systems. After further integration with the 6G mobile network in the future, it will jointly complete the nation’s 3D network layout and construction in the generation of 6G.

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Cyber Security

Since there is a wide application of information and communication services; cyber security plays a key role in our national security and even the aspects of the social-economic application with technology innovation policies. Respond to international trends and emerging types of cyber security attacks and threats, we will continue to develop our cyber security protection capabilities and advantages on the existing basis and aspects of defense. Our national cyber security policy has undergone systematic development in the first five stages, and gradually achieved the scheduled milestones to effectively reinforce the readiness of national cyber security. The objectives are as follows: 'the establishment of a safe environment of cyber security; the completion of cyber security protection management; sharing of multiple cybersecurity information; the expansion of the cultivation of cyber security talents; and the reinforcement of international cyber security exchanges.'. With the vision of 'Build Taiwan as a safe and resilient smart country ', we have proposed the 'National Cyber Security Program of Taiwan (2021-2024)' in 2021(hereinafter the Program). It is coupled with three major objectives including ' Become the cyber security research and training hub in the Asia-Pacific region ', 'Construct a proactively defending infrastructure network ', and ' Establish public-private partnership to create an environmental safety of cybersecurity '. The Program is the reference guide for promoting our cyber security protection strategy and plan. The Program has four promotional strategies: Attract high-level talents all over the world; cultivate independent power of research and innovation. Promote public-private partnership collaborative governance; Enhancement of the resilience of critical infrastructure. Utilize smart and forward-looking technology; Proactive defense against potential threats. Complete an intelligent and secure society; boost non-governmental protection energy. With the implementation of the Program, we expect to cultivate outstanding cyber security talents in our country, improve CI protection, use forward-looking technology to proactively prevent threats and block them at the source, and to extend cyber security awareness and capacity to private enterprises through public-private partnership collaboration, so that we can build a safe, resilient and smart country.

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Precision Health

In 2020, the government launched the Taiwan Precision Health Initiative to establish the country as a global leader in precision health and emerging technology. This initiative will develop cutting-edge biomedical technology for precision health through strategies which leverage Taiwan’s expertise in ICT manufacturing as well as the cross-sector integration of AI, big data and IoT. Taiwan has been expediting R&D processes, increasing market applications, and exploring global business opportunities by amending relevant legislation and lifting restrictions on cell therapy and oncology drugs. The following are several of Taiwan’s strengths and achievements in precision health: Strengths Comprehensive biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry clusters to facilitate business opportunities. Promoting clinical trials for the cultivation of biomedical professionals. Outstanding manufacturing and R&D partners to develop innovative biomedical products and services. Achievements International Recognition: Taiwan was ranked second on the Health Care Efficiency Index and third in New- comer Economies Biopharmaceutical Competitiveness in 2022. Groundbreaking Institutions: The Taiwan Clinical Trial Consortium (TCTC) was established to share various disease-related resources and information while advancing the development of smart medicine. Global Partners: Well-known international biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are collaborating to develop cross-regional clinical trials for new biomedial products in Taiwan. Cutting-edge Research: The Taiwan-US Cancer Moonshot Project is the first collaboration between Taiwan and the US to fight cancer using multiomics and precision oncology.

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Net Zero Technology

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a global endeavor and a national objective for Taiwan, whose success will be heavily reliant upon scientific innovation and technological breakthroughs. To this end, in March 2022 the government published a plan for Taiwan's Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050, which identified five main areas for the development of net-zero-related science and technology, and in March the following year approved a net-zero science and technology program.

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Defense Technology

Taiwan faces unprecedented challenges from the current international political and economic environment and regional security situation, which are also excellent opportunities. Hence, Taiwan must establish new industrial and national defense strategies to expand the promotion of national defense independence, conduct research and development in cutting-edge technologies, and invest in outstanding talents, which will drive overall industry upgrade in Taiwan. Therefore, while faced with the challenges of the new era and basing on the experience and foundation accumulated in the past, the government continues to promote the independence of national defense and the development of dual-use technology, from the national defense industry in the 'Five plus two' innovative industries plan to the national defense and strategic industry in the 'Program for Promoting Six Core Strategic Industries'. It also provides resources in the long-term to stably cultivate talents. To this end, the National Science Council and the Ministry of National Defense have jointly established 'Research Centers for National Defense Technology' in top universities, using dedicated institutions to invest long-term resources, deepen the cutting-edge defense technologies, research and develop dual-use technology for the future, and attract outstanding talents to enter scientific research and industrial development in national defense. At the same time, 7 major subject areas are deepened, including Intelligent ICT, key system analysis and integration, advanced sensing and precision manufacturing research, cutting-edge power system and flight vehicles, advanced system engineering research, advanced ships and underwater vehicles, advanced materials and mechanical analysis research. which will contribute to research and development of advanced technologies and integration of key technologies. The government will continue to promote the academic research centers to become a think tank in the field of defense technology, and collaborate with national defense departments to jointly take stock of domestic scientific research capacity. Then, the government will draft blueprint paths for technology development, draw up future research directions for national defense technology, and promote the progression of national defense technology. The government plans to allocate technology budgets and defense budgets to jointly invest in research centers in the seven major areas. By involving academia in various defense research projects, the aim is to cultivate defense research talents. Through cross-ministry resources, the government encourages inter-university and interdisciplinary collaborations to jointly develop a defense research blueprint and deepen defense technology through the research capabilities of the academic sector.

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Humanities and Social Issues

In order to realize Taiwan’s 2035 vision of 'Foresight and Innovation; Democracy and Inclusiveness; Resilience and Sustainability', the government must respond to the needs of people's lives and society, and combine the power of science and technology to drive the overall transformation of the country from the perspectives of humanities and society. The National Science and Technology Council will establish a national-level think tank, combined with experts in the humanities and social science. In addition to planning science and technology budgets, expanding and deepening cross-field research on technology, democracy, and society; it will also conduct cross-disciplinary, systematic, forward-looking researches on the impact of global and Taiwan politics, social changes, and technology applications. The scope includes: the ethical impact of, and the formulation of laws and regulations on major technology applications; the perfection of the industrial development ecosystem; the assessment of socio-economic and political impacts; the strengthening of the organizational infrastructure of a resilient society; the consolidation and deepening of democratic systems; the promotion of Taiwan geopolitical strategic status; and the construction of social security system. The think tank will also put forward policy planning suggestions. Furthermore, the National Science and Technology Council will establish the ' Platform for the Development of Sustainable Technology in Taiwan Indigenous Societies ' to promote cross-border dialogue between ethnic groups, government agencies, the academia, and civil groups to focus on key issues and to collect basic administrative information from relevant agencies such as the Council of Indigenous Peoples. The goal is to provide solutions to social development issues of indigenous peoples.

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