TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Development Council (NDC, 國家發展委員會) announced plans on Monday (Dec. 2) to attract top global incubators to Taiwan, aiming to integrate local startups internationally. NDC Minister Liu Chin-ching (劉鏡清) revealed these plans during the Taiwan economic summit forum organized by the Commercial Times (工商時報), where President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) also addressed future economic strategies.
President Lai, via video message, committed NT$11.6 billion next year to boost small and medium enterprises. Liu emphasized the creation of an innovation ecosystem, allocating NT$10 billion each to the Ministry of Digital Affairs (數發部), Ministry of Environment (環境部), and Ministry of Culture (文化部), with NT$20 billion for the Ministry of Economic Affairs (經濟部).
Liu stated that Taiwan requires substantial investment in robotics, and more than traditional venture capital methods may be necessary. He added that the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC, 國科會) plans to establish another fund for the robotics industry.
NDC has already set up an office in Japan, collaborating with Kyoto University (京都大學) on a venture capital fund. Next year, they will expand to the U.S. to draw elite incubators to Taiwan. Liu explained that NDC is negotiating to bring the world's top five incubators to Taiwan, offering world-class training to local startups.
NDC plans to amend the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals (外國專業人才延攬及僱用法) to address Taiwan's shortage of skilled labor. Liu urged the Ministry of Labor to reassess policies, hoping to retain foreign talent.