Premier Mao Chi-kuo today ordered the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to further promote a project aiming to strengthen the development of fundamental industrial technologies, focusing on inspecting and meeting technical support needs in research and development (R&D).
It is hoped that this project will help form industrial supply chains and create Taiwanese brands, Mao said.
The premier's instruction came after a progress report by the MOEA on the five-year project, which was launched in 2012. Jointly implemented by the MOEA, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Education, the project aims to promote and bolster fundamental industrial technologies as well as cultivate talent.
A total of NT$10 billion (US$328 million) is earmarked to spur industries, academia and research institutions to enhance such technologies. The initial focus is on 10 fundamental technologies in fields including industrial materials and chemical engineering, machinery, electronics and software.
As of the end of 2014, the project had guided 116 enterprises, 28 universities, and seven research institutes to focus on related R&D, attracting total investment of NT$5.39 billion (US$177 million), cultivating 2,811 talents, and creating 1,213 jobs. A total of 21 universities and vocational colleges had participated in talent training.
A fundamental industrial technology guidance committee has been set up as a platform to coordinate, integrate and manage inter-ministry efforts.
Given these encouraging initial results, Mao also tasked Minister without Portfolio Yan Hong-sen with coordinating the integration of the project with other related programs so that resources can be combined for the greatest possible synergy.
In the face of fierce global competition, Taiwan must leave no stone unturned to develop fundamental industrial technologies that ensure its manufacturing sector can stay competitive, Executive Yuan officials said. This project is expected to help the country's manufacturers to upgrade into global suppliers of high-end industrial products with high added value.