A senior researcher from the nation's leading academic institute said yesterday that Taiwan must broaden its biotech vision and give universities the tools to produce more life sciences researchers in order to reach the goal of becoming a biotech powerhouse in Asia.
Academia Sinica vice president Sunney Chan (
He was speaking at an American Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Academia Sinica was tapped by President Chen Shui-bian (
The research institute received US$30 million in additional funding this year for biotech work and will get US$100 million per year for the next few years to increase its R&D capabilities.
Taiwan needs to build a complete biotech industry, from manufacturing and basic research to applied research and drug testing and development, Chan said, citing the nation's pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers as an example. A number of highly refined chemicals are needed for biotechnology research -- chemicals which local companies are unable to produce. These firms need to be upgraded not only for biotech, but also to develop Taiwan's nanotechnology capabilities, he said.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing is also weak, since most companies in the sector can only produce generic drugs. If these manufacturers and other supporting companies do not continue to advance, the biotech sector will not grow, he said.
The nation's universities also need to do their part by focusing more on biology and biochemistry. There are not enough graduates to help move the sector forward, he said.
Encouraging US companies in the sector to establish cooperative relationships with Taiwan-based firms could also provide a boost for biotechnology here. He said the two nations could use the same kind of ventures that helped to firmly establish Taiwan's chip industry.
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