2016 ANNUAL REVIEW Ministry of Science and Technology

4 Foreword One of the most important features of science and technology is that they can transform the impossible into the possible. MOST is the government's dedicated agency in charge of the development of science and technology. The most important objectives of scientific and technological development are the use of innovative science and technology to boost national and industrial competitiveness, and the application of science and technology to protect Taiwan, while also promoting culture and the humanities. Accordingly, MOST will rely on the three major administrative directions of "laying the groundwork for basic research, and creating scientific and technological value," "cultivating innovative startups, fostering Moore's Law thinking," and "creating a foundation of scientific manpower, establishing ties to the world of the future" as it establishes platforms for scientific research innovation, stimulates forward-looking S&T and connections with industry, trains fresh scientific talent, and pursues S&T excellence. In order to strengthen Taiwan's S&T capabilities, MOST held the 10 th National Science and Technology Conference during 2016 as set forth by the Fundamental Science and Technology Act. The four major goals drafted following this conference consist of "reliance on innovation to regain economic momentum," "strengthening intelligent living S&T and industry," "cultivating and attracting talent and providing diverse channels for advancement," and "building up innovative scientific research ecosystems." MOST has also drafted relevant strategies and specific measures in order to formulate the National Science and Technology Development Plan, which will serve as the country's mid-/long-term S&T policy development blueprint. Facing the opportunities and challenges posed by the development of the field of artificial intelligence (AI), MOST has begun promoting the establishment of an innovative AI research center, and also hopes to establish a platform that can realize disruptive innovation while linking interdisciplinary talent in relevant research fields. By ensuring that outstanding domestic and foreign manpower can research practical applications of AI in an innovative ecological environment, MOST looks forward to the development of forward-looking technologies, and hopes to make AI Taiwan's next representative high-tech industry. In order to realize the goals of the Executive Yuan's Ten Major Innovative Industries program, MOST has established a "Biomedical Industry Innovation Promotion Project Implementation Center" in the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park. This has helped provide a comprehensive biotech ecosystem with links to international market resources, and put Taiwan on the path to becoming an Asia-Pacific biotech medicine research and development stronghold, while also creating more employment opportunities and attracting more talent, as well as promoting local prosperity and development. In addition, in conjunction with the Green Technology Industry Innovation Promotion Program, MOST has established the Green Energy Technology Joint Research Center in the Shalun Green Energy Science City; this center is tasked with bringing together domestic academic organizations, research institutions, state-owned enterprises, and companies for the purpose of forward-looking green energy technology R&D focusing on the four areas of energy development, energy conservation, energy storage, and systems integration.