The Executive Yuan’s 2023 Science and Technology Advisory Board Meeting came to a successful conclusion on 15 December, following three days of in-depth exchanges and discussions among an advisory panel of eight thought leaders at home and abroad from the industry and research community, as well as representatives from relevant government ministries and agencies. At the closing ceremony, the Chief Advisor Dr. James C. Liao presented the summary report on the two main themes of “Semiconductor × AI” and “Net Zero Technology.” Dr. Chien-jen Chen, Premier of the Executive Yuan, was also present to listen to the conclusions and recommendations.

The two themes deliberated throughout the meeting, “Semiconductor × AI” and “Net-Zero Technology”, are not only enablers for Taiwan’s long-term science and technology development, but key areas in science and technology for governments worldwide. Taking into account the international trends and domestic needs and challenges, the recommendations produced as a result will inform long-term policy-making for various government ministries and agencies in Taiwan. On the topic of Semiconductor × AI, Taiwan will implement the ‘Taiwan Chip-based Industrial Innovation Program’ and the ‘AI Taiwan Action Plan’, capitalizing on its strengths in semiconductor to become a reliable partner in driving global innovations in semiconductor and AI technology. In the area of Net-Zero Technology, Taiwan will continue its ‘Net-Zero Technology Program’ in an attempt to be a role model in technology and work with the global community towards a net-zero future.

According to the Chief Advisor Dr. James C. Liao, the vision for “Semiconductor × AI” is to position Taiwan as a leader in semiconductor and AI by embracing generative AI trends and leveraging its strengths in semiconductor. Based on this vision, three major strategies are formulated: cultivating the next generation of semiconductor and AI talent, accelerating the development of semiconductor and AI application technologies, as well as using generative AI and chips to drive innovation across industries and promote startup incubation. As for “Net-Zero Technology”, Taiwan seeks to become a role model in net-zero transition through knowledge-based pathway planning to drive transformation across energy provision, industrial processes, lifestyle and society. The three strategies developed accordingly include setting 2030 carbon reduction targets tailored to Taiwan’s characteristics and developing net-zero technologies that harness the potential of local industries; utilizing Taiwan’s net-zero transition to create a local green supply chain, and leveraging the AI transformation to drive the twin net-zero and digital transition.

Dr. Tsung-tsong Wu, Minister without Portfolio and the Minister of Science and Technology Council of Taiwan, expressed that the shifts in the international political and economic landscape over the years have put Taiwan’s R&D and industrial capabilities in science and technology on the global map. In addition, the meeting conclusions emphasize the importance of horizontal connections across industry ecosystems and collaboration across government ministries and agencies at all levels. Enhancing international cooperation and meeting local needs are also critical, and require deepened engagement with global partners. The Science and Technology Advisory framework, relaunched after a 12-year hiatus, provides a platform for the science and technology advisors to put forward insightful recommendations for future science and technology development from a national strategic perspective, and allows the world to better understand Taiwan’s strategic approach, robust strengths in science and technology, which enables the country to join hands with international partners to address major global challenges.