Taiwan must develop core technologies, cultivate skilled workers and integrate value chains if the nation is to move away from the production of parts and components, Premier Mao Chi-kuo said today after a briefing by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) on the government's Productivity 4.0 project.
"With support from the project, industries will be able to shift from automated to intelligent manufacturing and make a greater variety of products but in smaller amounts," said Premier Mao.
This flexible model will enable businesses to adjust production lines directly in response to consumer needs, and bring about a new industrial revolution with innovation replacing efficiency as the main growth driver, he added. The premier requested Vice Premier Chang San-cheng and Minister without Portfolio Yan Hong-sen to continue overseeing the program.
On policies, Mao said the government will select and upgrade companies that are already using electronics and information technology in their production processes. New startups and innovative business models should also be given enough room for development. As for key technologies, he said domestic enterprises can conduct their own research and development, import advanced technologies, or merge with other businesses for technological breakthroughs and expedite the transition toward smarter production.
Regarding skilled workers, Premier Mao said Taiwan must integrate education, vocational training, and corporate training programs in order to nurture professionals with not only one but multiple areas of expertise. He asked the MOEA to bring local governments in on the Productivity 4.0 project as well.
The MOEA's goals for 2016 are to set up six pilot production lines capable of Productivity 4.0 technology; train 2,500 people in smart manufacturing, commercial and agricultural production; and establish four teaching alliances comprising different schools and disciplines. By 2020, the MOEA expects Productivity 4.0 to halve the time required for developing industrial technologies, boost Taiwan's technological self-reliance rate by over 50 percent, and increase production efficiency by at least 15 percent.