Taiwan’s three science parks reported revenues of NT$3.28 trillion (US$117.85 billion) for 2020, up 15.03 percent year on year and setting an all-time high, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.
MOST statistics released March 3 reveal that exports from the parks grew 16.19 percent compared with last year to NT$2.40 trillion, while total employment rose 3 percent to 288,237.
The revenue of Hsinchu Science Park in northern Taiwan grew 13.95 percent to NT$1.24 trillion; Central Taiwan Science Park in Taichung City 17.4 percent to NT$935.98 billion; and Southern Taiwan Science Park in the cities of Tainan and Kaohsiung 14.06 percent to NT$847.73 billion.
The MOST said integrated circuits remained the top revenue generator at the parks, rising 19.51 percent thanks to demand for high-end semiconductors for use in 5G, artificial intelligence and contactless applications. Sales of computers and peripherals saw even more impressive growth, increasing 51.06 percent on the back of strong performances by mobile network equipment suppliers.
The telecommunication and biotechnology sectors also improved, with revenue growth of 5.67 percent and 16.7 percent, respectively, as orders of cellular antennas and home office technology essentials as well as medical supplies and test kits increased amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Demand was lower for optoelectronics and precision machinery, which saw respective revenues drop 1.1 percent and 12.85 percent. The MOST attributed the weaker showings to decreased consumption caused by delayed deliveries in major economies around the world, as well as lack of plans to open new facilities and plants.
Despite potential challenges arising from continued trade friction between China and the U.S. and the ongoing pandemic, the ministry said it remains optimistic about the outlook for Taiwan’s science parks in 2021 as the vaccination rate increases. Emerging opportunities in areas spanning 5G, automobile electronics, contactless transactions and Internet of Things are expected to offer significant growth potential moving forward, it added. (DL-E)
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