Premier Jiang Yi-huah today encouraged the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to continue making outstanding contributions to Taiwan's technological transformation, research and development (R&D) and technology transfers.
"The people of Taiwan have a lot of expectations riding on the ITRI. I hope its staff can respond by bringing forth even better R&D and innovation," Jiang said while visiting the nonprofit R&D organization, which specializes in applied research and technical services.
According to the premier, the ITRI has been the driving force behind Taiwan's industrial transformation over the past 41 years. From the 1970s to 2010s in particular, it spun off innovative companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC). It also helped develop manufacturing technologies for Giant Bicycles Inc., computers and flat panels for Acer Inc., Asustek Computer Inc. and AU Optronics Corp, and much more. The institute has witnessed many historic moments in the course of Taiwan's high-tech industrial transformation and development.
A free and innovative economy is high on Taiwan's policy agenda, the premier continued. He defined a free economy as one that is deregulated, internationalized and liberalized, where free economic pilot zones and bilateral and regional economic and trade agreements can link Taiwan closer with the world. An innovative economy, meanwhile, is one where domestic industries are being transformed as the nation prepares itself to become a free economy.
"The ITRI plays a very important role in building an innovative economy. I hope the institute can bring its full capabilities into play and create more historic moments such as the establishment of TSMC and UMC," said Jiang.
Taiwan's overall economic monitoring indicator reveals gradual improvements in the past half year, the premier said, adding the economic growth rate had been revised upward for six consecutive months. Amid this steadily growing economic environment, people from all quarters should work together to make the country even better, he said.
During today's visit, the premier took a test ride on an electric-powered vegetable transportation truck invented by the ITRI and was impressed with the vehicle's quiet nature and how healthy it is for the environment. After hearing the ITRI's briefing on transforming industries through innovative technologies, Jiang also toured an innovative R&D exhibition featuring 3D printing technology, "Q-water" purification technology, and an at-home motion-sensing exercise system for rehabilitation.