Taiwan government release the National Core Critical Technologies

The Taiwan government has recently unveiled a comprehensive list of 22 National Core Critical Technologies. This initiative aims to enhance national security and uphold the nation's competitive edge in various sectors, including defense, space exploration, agriculture, semiconductors, and cybersecurity.

Within the realm of semiconductors, Taiwan places a strong emphasis on its leadership in advanced manufacturing processes, particularly those with a feature size of 14 nanometers or smaller. This includes IC manufacturing technology and essential materials, gases, and equipment. Additionally, heterogeneous integration packaging technology, which encompasses wafer-level packaging and silicon photonics integration packaging technology, along with their specialized materials and equipment, is recognized as a National Core Critical Technology.

Furthermore, Taiwan acknowledges the critical importance of information security and has included technologies such as chip security, post-quantum cryptography protection, and proactive network defense in its list of National Core Critical Technologies.

The creation of the National Core Critical Technologies List is a pivotal step to safeguard national interests and prevent the unlawful transfer of vital technology secrets overseas. Importantly, this initiative does not impede legitimate business activities or technological exchanges. Under the guidance of the National Science Council, the Taiwanese government will continue to review and update this list to adapt to evolving technological developments.

The National Core Critical Technologies Review Council convened in November 2023, and the list was officially announced by the Executive Yuan on December 5, 2023. This initial list focuses on technologies where Taiwan holds a leading advantage or where protection is urgently needed, covering a broad range of sectors critical to the nation's well-being, including defense, space exploration, agriculture, semiconductors, and information security.

The process for designating National Core Critical Technologies adheres to the provisions of the National Security Act, ensuring that only technologies meeting specific criteria are included:

1. Technologies essential for national security, defense needs, or the protection of critical national infrastructure.
2. Technologies capable of propelling Taiwan into a leadership position or significantly enhancing the competitiveness of vital industries.

The review process involved experts from various fields, both within and outside of the government, who collaborated to determine the technologies to be included in the list. The National Science Council established the guidelines for recognizing National Core Critical Technologies, and extensive consultations with industry representatives, academic experts, and other stakeholders were conducted to refine the list, ensuring comprehensive protection of Taiwan's vital technological secrets.

The publication of this list and the associated legal measures underscore Taiwan's commitment to protecting its crucial National Core Critical Technologies. Any unlawful leakage of technology secrets will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted by the relevant authorities. In addition, recent amendments to intellectual property laws and the establishment of specialized intellectual property and business courts demonstrate Taiwan's dedication to becoming a trusted international partner in technological collaboration.

In conclusion, the Taiwan government's release of the National Core Critical Technologies list represents a significant step toward safeguarding national interests and ensuring the nation's continued technological leadership on the global stage. This initiative reflects Taiwan's commitment to fostering innovation, protecting its industries, and maintaining a secure and competitive technological landscape.

22 Core Critical Technologies in Taiwan

1. Military Carbon Fiber Composite Material Technology
2. Military Carbon/High-Temperature Corrosion-Resistant Material Technology
3. Military New Anti-Interference Enemy-Friendly Identification Technology
4. Military Microwave/Infrared/Multi-Mode Targeting Technology
5. Military Active Phased Array Detection Technology
6. Impulse Engine Technology
7. Satellite Control Technology
8. Space-Grade X-Band Image Download Technology
9. Space-Grade Image Compression Electronic Unit (EU) Technology
10. Space-Grade CMOS Image Sensor Technology
11. Space-Grade Optical Payload System Design, Manufacturing, and Integration Technology
12. Space-Grade Active Phased Array Antenna Technology
13. Space-Grade Passive Reflective Surface Antenna Technology
14. Space-Grade Radar Image Processing Technology
15. Agricultural Variety Development and Aquaculture Technology - Liquid Microbial Strain Cultivation Technology, Aquatic Mono-Sexual Reproduction Technology
16. Agricultural Biochip Technology - Agricultural Drug Residue Detection Technology, Plant and Animal Pathogen Detection Biochip Technology
17. Agricultural Facility Expert System Technology - Expert System Technology for Crop Greenhouses, Aquaculture Water Environment Design, Operation, and Maintenance
18. IC Manufacturing Technology Below 14 Nanometers, the essential Gas, Chemical, and Equipment Technology also included
19. Heterogeneous Integration and Packaging Technology - Wafer-Level Packaging Technology, Silicon Photonics Integration and Packaging Technology, Special Materials and Equipment Technology also included
20. Chip Security Technology
21. Post-Quantum Cryptography Protection Technology
22. Active Defense Technology for Cybersecurity