The National Science and Technology Conference, held every four years, is to run from today until Wednesday, gathering leaders in industry, government, academia and research.
President William Lai (賴清德) delivered the opening speech this morning, saying that he hopes science and technology could lead the charge in facing the rise of artificial intelligence and geopolitical challenges.
The Executive Yuan’s Economic Development Commission on Thursday last week approved six flagship regional projects to build railroads, improve healthcare, expand cultural tourism and build housing in the hopes of better integrating science and technology into daily life, he said.
Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times
Next year’s science and technology budget is set at NT$196.5 billion (US$6.5 billion), NT$7.7 billion more than last year, Lai said.
Lai said that when he was premier, the budget was only NT$100 billion, demonstrating Taiwan’s increased commitment to science and technology, he said.
Hopefully this year’s increased budget would make Taiwan a world leader in tech, he added.
The commission plans to invest in 140 major construction projects, of which 100 projects have already commenced, he said.
Drafting of national policy relies on the experience of industry and academic experts paired with technology, so discussions held at this week’s conference would be critical in future policymaking across government bodies, he said.
The conference is key to creating the nation’s blueprint for science and technology and setting mid to long-term development goals, Cabinet members and National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文) said.
This year’s conference differs in its forward-thinking, balanced and people-focused approach to strengthening future research and development projects, Wu said.
Participants also aim to collaborate with international partners to create a global supply chain and further Taiwan’s strategic position in global technology, he added.
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