Premier Mao Chi-kuo today visited the Taiwan Air Force (TAF) Innovation Base for the opening ceremony of the Target Forum and the unveiling ceremony of an innovators village at the APP Creative Park. He stated that although the TAF base is still in its ignition phase, it will develop step by step into a place for generating opportunities and a conclave for diversity and innovation.
Mao tasked the Industrial Development Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs to formulate a set of mechanisms and methods in demarcating the TAF base's four zones: science and technology, software and hardware, literature and arts, and social innovation. The members of each zone shall not only strive in their respective spheres but also "knock heads together" with their counterparts in other zones to make the base diversified and innovative.
Innovation has three major phases, the premier said: generating creative ideas, turning these ideas into applications, and turning applications into startups. The government is presently promoting an innovation economy. Mao expects the TAF base to "advance from generating creative ideas to innovation." He stated that innovators do not necessarily have to start up businesses, as they can also drive reforms within existing enterprises. The premier tasked the National Development Council to enhance guidance on financing and investment for startups.
The ultimate purpose of innovation, creative ideas and startups is to improve people's lives, not only in hardware but also through betterment of the environment, ecology and education, the premier pointed out. What is most important is mental and spiritual creativity, actualizing these creative ideas and innovations in daily living. Based on this core concept, people can think about future lifestyles.
Mao also elaborated on the symbolic significance of the name "TAF." The "T" means Taiwan, and the TAF base is a bright spot in future Taiwan; the "A" signifies unlimited opportunities; and the "F" represents power and energy.
To illustrate the concept that innovation is assessed based on the value it generates, the premier presented a formula, "V = M x A x O," based on his surname, Mao. The "V" stands for value. The "M" is motivation that encompasses ambition, the tenacity to persist in doing the right thing and the determination to press forward without fearing failure. The "A" represents ability: Innovation is a dream that can be realized through the demonstration of domain knowledge as well as execution and communication abilities. The "O" represents opportunity that does not "drop" from heaven but instead is created through one's acumen.