National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Tsung-tsong received a delegation from the U.S. National Science Foundation April 8 in Taipei City, underscoring the commitment to deepening collaboration in technological innovation that the two sides share.
Led by Carol Bessel, section head of the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) under the NSF, other prominent members of the group included Samir Iqbal, director of the foundation’s partnerships for innovation program.
According to the NSTC, a science and technology agreement was inked between Taiwan and the U.S. in December 2020. The delegation’s visit this month followed a recent high-level policy dialogue held in Taiwan on science and technology.
During his welcome speech, Wu said that the common mission of both NSTC and NSF encompassed supporting academic research, technology transfer and innovation. Wu also pointed out that in recent years, generative artificial intelligence has revolutionized industries and led to successful startups in both countries.
The minister added that with Taiwan’s firm foothold in semiconductors, the Taiwan Chip-based Industrial Innovation Program was launched to recruit international talent to set up businesses in Taiwan as a means to propel a comprehensive upgrade of varied industries through the innovative application of cutting-edge technology.
In response, Iqbal shared that TIP was the NSF’s first new facility in 30 years, adding that as an interdisciplinary platform, it backs researchers and innovators in a variety of fields in order to expedite breakthroughs in key and emerging technologies.
Bessel added that NSF’s intention was that TIP would enhance U.S. competitiveness in critical technology while also looking outward to strengthen partnerships with like-minded countries to tackle social and economic challenges on an international scale.
Both sides agreed that research and innovation enhance lives around the globe, and expressed anticipation for the results of further cooperation.
In addition to meeting with Wu, the contingent also attended the US-Taiwan Workshop on DeepTech Innovation and Partnerships organized by NSF and the Ministry of Economic Affairs April 9 and 10 to exchange views with Taiwan’s startups, the NSTC added. (POC-E)
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