Taiwan is a global heavyweight in the semiconductor industry, ranked first in global wafer production and chip packaging and testing, and second in silicon wafer output. To seize opportunities presented by the reordering of global supply chains in the post-COVID era, the government is bringing together the continued research and development of advanced technologies, equipment and materials for high-end semiconductors. Ranging from inward out at the industry, national and international levels, the efforts seek to advance Taiwan's semiconductors in such areas as production, talent, technology and resources. The objectives are to consolidate Taiwan's international strategic position and further expand upon the nation's existing advantages in the information and communications technology market.
Three-level strategy
■ Industry: Increase competitive advantages in wafer production. Efforts include—toward the 2030 goal of 1-nanometer process capability—continuing to strengthen links and interconnections among Taiwan's "silicon valley" science parks located in Hsinchu and central and southern Taiwan, and ensuring that this semiconductor industry cluster remains a technology leader.
■ National: Bring industry and academia together to establish semiconductor research and development centers, and set up research institutes within universities for national priority fields. Increase graduate and undergraduate enrollment in national priority fields (e.g., semiconductors, artificial intelligence, machinery and materials). Recruit overseas talent through international exchanges facilitated by semiconductor industry and academic associations. These efforts are anticipated to yield 10,000 additional semiconductor professionals per year and will ensure a sufficient supply of quality talent for the semiconductor industry.
■ International: Ensure access to strategic resources and key technologies to eliminate supply chain concerns. For equipment, this includes stockpiling in advance niche equipment for 12-inch wafer production, and moving toward the development of third-generation compound semiconductors. For materials, the primary focus is self-sufficiency in key chemicals and building a strategic local supply chain.