To keep pace with economic and technological changes, the government is engaged in ongoing collaborations with industry, academia and research institutions to cultivate mid-level and high-level skilled talent to promote the development of fields of critical national interest and enhance Taiwan's industrial competitiveness.
To meet the current demand for manpower in national key industries, in 2021 the government enacted the National Key Fields Industry-University Cooperation and Skilled Personnel Training act, establishing specialized research colleges through a joint undertaking between public universities and private companies at the forefront of research. Through these research colleges, industries can more effectively cooperate with academic institutions for R&D, while universities can promote innovation and expand recruitment of highly skilled talent.
Since 2022 the government has also been implementing the Project for the Establishment of Regional Training Bases for Industrial Talents and Technology to foster the intermediate and highly skilled manpower called for by the Six Core Strategic Industries, "five plus two" innovative industries and other industries of key national interest.
Main points
■ Establish research colleges for national key fields: Specialized research colleges (offering master's and doctorate degrees) are established through collaboration between public universities and private companies; qualified instructors include industry professionals as well as professors from other on-campus colleges. The research colleges are funded primarily by the collaborating companies, in addition to government backing from the National Development Fund. Research colleges are encouraged to participate in international alliances with other academic and research institutions, as well as to partner with Taiwanese local governments. Currently, 12 research colleges at 11 public universities have been inaugurated, enrolling over 1,000 additional students to the universities each year and receiving resources from over 140 collaborating companies.
■ Set up regional training bases to foster industrial talent and technology: In accordance with the government's policy to promote key industries (including semiconductors, drones, electric vehicles and offshore wind power), subsidies are provided to colleges and universities to establish environments for practical instruction. Industries are invited to actively contribute to this talent training process by providing mentors, internships and other resources, thus cultivating conditions favorable for employing and retaining talent, and attracting students to local industry jobs. Currently, 18 talent training bases have been inaugurated, primarily offering bachelor's degree programs, and the establishment of two more bases is expected soon.