To help accelerate the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Taiwan, the government has launched an "intelligent rainforest" industrial revitalization program (2025–2029). The initiative leverages the foundational platform and pilot sites established through the government's plan to promote a new Silicon Valley in southern Taiwan, and draws support from universities and colleges to facilitate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by industries in the region, with efforts to be expanded to other counties and cities.
Focusing on AI applications in key industries—such as smart business services, health care, and information and communications technology (ICT), as well as smart manufacturing, agriculture and livestock farming—the program promotes cross-sector collaboration to help SMEs develop differentiated, high-value products and services that provide more added value. It also encourages the information services industry and academia to form cross-disciplinary teams to jointly develop practical AI applications, providing support in system design, computing resources, real-world testing environments and mentorship activities, with the goal of comprehensively strengthening Taiwan's digital competitiveness.
Implementation strategies
■ Identify industry needs: Establish a solid foundation for driving AI integration, solution development and industrial upgrading by conducting interviews with industry stakeholders and trade associations to accurately identify transformation pain points.
■ Coordinate cross-ministerial resources: Support the adoption of diverse AI applications and enhance industrial resilience and competitiveness by integrating resources from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, National Science and Technology Council, Ministry of Digital Affairs and Ministry of Education.
■ Expand AI talent development: Cultivate job-ready AI talent by promoting hands-on AI application across industries, thematic course clusters in schools, and industry-academia collaboration.