The Executive Yuan youth startup base at the former official residence of the premier on Jinhua Street in Taipei formally opened today.
While hosting a launch celebration, Premier Mao Chi-kuo stated that he hopes young entrepreneurs and potential startups use the facility as a "charging station" and "gas station" and boost entrepreneurship and innovation to turn Taiwan into a bright spot of the global innovation economy.
Mao remarked that he has witnessed a trait among entrepreneurs: that they need not be first in an industry, but they would become the only one that matters in the industry. This is the great blue sea wherein real value lies, the premier affirmed.
With Industry 4.0 currently an international trend, Taiwan has introduced the concept of the "fourth industrial revolution," Productivity 4.0, which is applicable not only to manufacturing but also to agriculture and commerce. It is hoped that via Productivity 4.0, innovation will replace efficiency and product value will replace cost competition. From this perspective, it is up to young people to explore and create the industries, work patterns and lifestyles of the future.
The government will provide an environment, platform and resources to Taiwanese youths, whose entrepreneurial capabilities compare favorably to their rivals'. The Executive Yuan youth startup base is a place for everyone to demonstrate their skills and creativity, for entrepreneurs to share their experiences and for the government to provide startup consultation services.
During the celebration, the premier invited young startup representatives on stage and introduced their entrepreneurial processes one by one. He pointed out that young entrepreneurs do not merely start a business; they inject it with a strong sense of personal character. They have strong drive, do the things they believe in, and try to make others feel the impact of their work, while enhancing their worth and contributing to a better society. In addition, young entrepreneurs have firm beliefs; when faced with difficulties, they have the tenacity to overcome and break through. They believe that so long as their ideal is right, they will find a way.
Mao pointed out that the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration (SMEA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has integrated the online and offline worlds along with 13 ministries' and agencies' 44 programs at the Executive Yuan youth startup base, so that young entrepreneurs can access all the services they need in one place without having to file multiple applications.
The MOEA stated that the Executive Yuan youth startup base is Taiwan's first all-in-one service site for young entrepreneurs and provides integrated online to offline services. Young entrepreneurs can book consultations via the SMEA's startup resource website, telephone or email. Afterward, they can visit the base for services. Family physician-style consultations with industry mentors, information on various startup stages, and consultations on youth entrepreneurship programs are provided.