Fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology will be a key driver of Taiwan's innovation and economic growth, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said today at the Executive Yuan's science and technology meeting.
After hearing a report from the Executive Yuan Office of Science and Technology on a blueprint for 5G development in Taiwan, the premier asked the office to organize a 5G strategy conference at year-end to gather input from the industry and other sectors. The office will also work with the National Science Council and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to form a task force of relevant agencies and, within six months, devise a plan for delivering 5G technology by 2020.
Taiwanese companies mostly played catch-up to other countries during the development of previous generations of telecommunications systems, the office said. But with 5G technology still in its infancy around the world, now would be an opportune time for Taiwan to pull ahead of the competition. Developing this technology could help domestic industries transform themselves and establish a foothold in the uncontested 5G market.
Premier Jiang said most of Taiwan's competitors have already started deployments for next-generation systems. Hence, Taiwan must draft a comprehensive development plan as early as possible to meet growing mobile broadband demands and maintain its lead in telecommunications. And because this technology will have a large bearing on many areas including industrial growth, radio frequency allocation and talent development, the plan must set specific and elaborate guidelines for government agencies to follow.
Separately at today's meeting, officials discussed the national science and technology budget for 2014. Jiang said priority should be given to technological development even though the central government will only see a small increase in its total budget, and he hopes the Legislature will agree during their upcoming budget reviews. For 2014, a total of NT$1.76 billion (US$58.7 million) has been earmarked to fund seven major projects: innovative translational research in agriculture, digital medical care networks for remote areas, medical technologies for sustainable social security systems, high-efficiency Internet access for academia, core technologies for intelligent hand-held devices, automation of high-end machine tool control, and global deployment strategies for agricultural technology.
Also, the MOEA reported on lessons to take from the United States' Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP) program. Initiated in 2011, this nationwide program charts a course for developing state-of-the-art tools and technologies that will sharpen R&D capabilities, spur domestic output, increase added value in manufacturing, and create quality jobs. Premier Jiang asked the MOEA to study this initiative and tailor a plan for Taiwan to add value and create employment in its own manufacturing industry. The AMP also has a sub-project called the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation that provides good examples for Taiwan. It forms partnerships among the industrial, academic and research sectors and narrows the gap from basic research to technological development, in effect accelerating the commercialization process.