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Taiwan's Ambitious 4-Year Semiconductor Program Gets Green Light

Taiwan's government has given the green light to the ambitious "Chip-driven Taiwan Industrial Innovation Initiative(shorten as Chips innovate Taiwan Initiative)," a four-year plan designed to bolster the country's semiconductor industry. With a planned investment of NT$300billion (approximately US$10 billion) over the next decade, starting with an initial budget of NT$12 billion (around US$ 0.4 billion) in its first year, the program aims to propel Taiwan's semiconductor sector to global leadership.

In a highly competitive global semiconductor landscape, where countries are offering subsidies and tax incentives to attract semiconductor investments, Taiwan is gearing up to solidify its leading position in semiconductor industry. Recently, amendments were made to the "Industrial Innovation Act" in Taiwan to expand investment incentives.

The Semiconductor-Driven Taiwan Initiative outlines four key strategies to achieve its objectives:

  1. Fostering Innovation through AI and Semiconductors: The program aims to drive innovation by combining generative artificial intelligence (AI) with semiconductor technology. This strategy extends beyond the tech industry and encompasses various sectors, including consumer electronics and industrial applications. Subsidies will be provided to support businesses in adopting advanced semiconductor processes.
  2. Strengthening Talent Development: Recognizing that talent is the linchpin for maintaining Taiwan's leadership in semiconductor and IC design, the initiative seeks to enhance domestic talent development. It plans to attract global R&D professionals while facilitating collaboration between academia and industry through the National Science and Technology Council. Additionally, the program explores establishing overseas bases for talent recruitment and training in collaboration with promising international research institutions.
  3. Accelerating Integration and Advanced Technology: To seize the golden opportunity of leading the next wave of industrial innovation, the program aims to accelerate advancements in semiconductor design, manufacturing, testing, and application across the entire value chain.
  4. Leveraging Taiwan's Semiconductor Industry Strength: Leveraging Taiwan's prowess as a semiconductor hub, the initiative aims to attract international startups and investments to Taiwan. It will provide crucial resources, foster partnerships with leading domestic manufacturers, and connect with local venture capital and funding sources to establish the world's largest semiconductor startup cluster.

The National Science and Technolgy Council emphasizes that talent development and upgrading related infrastructure will play a significant role in maintaining Taiwan's semiconductor and IC design industry's leadership. Efforts are being made to secure resources for these essential aspects.

While specific details, such as the allocation of a 12-inch production line donated by a certain company, are still under consideration due to maintenance costs, the initiative's commitment to enhancing Taiwan's semiconductor ecosystem is clear.

The program's approach to talent acquisition is not limited to domestic students. The National Science and Technology Council Chairperson has highlighted that many European countries are eager for investments from companies like TSMC. While such direct investments may not be feasible, collaboration on talent development, particularly in IC design, presents a viable opportunity. The National Science and Technology Council plans to establish overseas IC design training centers, enabling the cultivation of talent for Taiwanese companies through collaborations with overseas research institutions and semiconductor firms.

The Semiconductor-Driven Taiwan Initiative recognizes that semiconductors have become the core of the global technology industry over the past three years, with generative AI emerging as a driving force for innovation across various sectors. These technologies are expected to shape the global economy and daily life over the next two decades. Therefore, the National Science and Technology Council, in cooperation with various government agencies, is proactively positioning Taiwan for technological leadership by 2035.

Premier of Executive Yuan, Chen Chien-jen, affirmed that Taiwan's semiconductor capabilities are internationally recognized. The government's proactive approach in launching the Chips innovate Taiwan Initiative reflects its commitment to strengthening Taiwan's technological capabilities over the next ten to twenty years. It also aims to elevate Taiwan's role as a crucial player in driving semiconductor design innovation worldwide.


Highlights


Description
Program NameSemiconductor-Driven Taiwan Initiative
InvestmentPlanned NT$300 billion over the next decade (2024-2033), with an initial budget of NT$12 billion for the first year
Objectives
  1. Foster innovation through AI and semiconductors
  2.  Strengthen talent development
  3.  Accelerate integration and advanced technology
  4.  Leverage Taiwan's semiconductor strengths
Innovation FocusCombining generative artificial intelligence (AI) with semiconductor technology for cross-industry innovation
Talent DevelopmentAttracting global R&D professionals, enhancing domestic talent development, exploring overseas talent recruitment
Advanced Technology AccelerationAdvancements in semiconductor design, manufacturing, testing, and application
International AttractionAttracting international startups and investments to Taiwan, creating a semiconductor startup cluster
Talent Acquisition ApproachCollaborative talent development with international partners, overseas IC design training centers
Importance of Talent and InfrastructureRecognized as key to maintaining Taiwan's semiconductor leadership
Commitment to Ecosystem EnhancementConsideration of a 12-inch production line donation and resource allocation
Global Impact of Semiconductor and AI TechAcknowledgment of semiconductors and generative AI as pivotal in global technology and economic trends
Vision for Technological Leadership by 2035Proactive positioning of Taiwan as a technological leader by 2035
Government CommitmentAffirmation of Taiwan's semiconductor capabilities and commitment to technological a advancement


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