International R&D Investment in Taiwan Hits New Record, Reaching NT$24.4 Billion in 2024
24 March 2025 · Uncategorized ·
Source: · https://finance.technews.tw/2025/03/19/investment-in-taiwan-to-hit-new-high-in-2024/
The Ministry of Economic Affairs announced today that approximately forty international companies have established research and development (R&D) centers across northern, central, and southern Taiwan. This geographically dispersed presence creates an “intangible silicon shield” for the country. According to ministry statistics, these multinational corporations are projected to invest NT$24.4 billion (approximately US$813 million) in R&D activities within Taiwan by 2024—a record high demonstrating their continued commitment and substantial investment in the island’s technological sector.
At today's fourteenth meeting of the National Science Council Committee, the Ministry reported on its efforts to attract international companies to establish research centers in Taiwan, aiming to foster investment, nurture talent, and create employment opportunities.
Chiu Chou-hui, Director-General of the Industrial Technology Office under the Economic Affairs Department, explained that since 2015, they have been promoting a “Global R&D Innovation Partnership Program,” followed by an enhanced version called the "Leading Enterprises Research Deepening Plan" (A+ Global Partner Scheme) in 2020. These programs are designed to incentivize international companies to establish research centers within Taiwan.
Chiu noted that key players such as Micron Technology Inc., NVIDIA Corporation, AMD, Infineon Technologies AG, NXP Semiconductors NV, ASML Holding NV, Applied Materials Inc., Lam Research Corp., Synopsys Inc., and Cadence Design Systems have been attracted to Taiwan for AI hardware/software development, high-bandwidth memory technology, automotive chips, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, EDA software tools, among other critical technologies.
Currently, around forty international companies operate R&D centers in Taiwan, planning an investment of approximately NT$24.4 billion for 2024—a new record that reflects strong foreign investor commitment to the Taiwanese market.
Chiu also emphasized that these multinational corporations are not concentrated solely within Taipei City and New Taipei City but are strategically located across various regions of Taiwan, benefiting local talent development, improving wage levels, creating job opportunities, and driving technological innovation.
Furthermore, this program has facilitated over a thousand domestic companies in engaging in joint R&D activities with foreign partners. This collaboration elevates technical standards among Taiwanese firms and assists traditional industries and startups in integrating AI technology into their operations.
Despite concerns regarding TSMC’s overseas expansion plans under potential future administrations, Chiu underscored Taiwan's significance within global supply chains, noting that numerous multinational corporations remain willing to invest heavily here—underscoring its irreplaceable role as an “intangible silicon shield.”
These foreign investments align with Taiwan’s strategic focus on five key industries: semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), military industry, security control systems, and next-generation communications. This alignment will play a crucial part in transforming the island into a global AI hub.
Responding to media inquiries regarding government subsidies for international companies requiring at least 50% of their workforce to be foreign talent, Chiu clarified that this requirement has been extended from NVIDIA and AMD to all multinational corporations participating in A+ Global Partner Scheme or similar programs—including large domestic enterprises as well.
During a post-meeting press conference, Chiu further explained that for companies with annual revenues exceeding NT$20 billion applying under these schemes, they must ensure at least 50% of their workforce consists of foreign talent; however, this can be achieved through collaboration with universities to train international students and gradually employ them.
(Writer: Chang Ai)
At today's fourteenth meeting of the National Science Council Committee, the Ministry reported on its efforts to attract international companies to establish research centers in Taiwan, aiming to foster investment, nurture talent, and create employment opportunities.
Chiu Chou-hui, Director-General of the Industrial Technology Office under the Economic Affairs Department, explained that since 2015, they have been promoting a “Global R&D Innovation Partnership Program,” followed by an enhanced version called the "Leading Enterprises Research Deepening Plan" (A+ Global Partner Scheme) in 2020. These programs are designed to incentivize international companies to establish research centers within Taiwan.
Chiu noted that key players such as Micron Technology Inc., NVIDIA Corporation, AMD, Infineon Technologies AG, NXP Semiconductors NV, ASML Holding NV, Applied Materials Inc., Lam Research Corp., Synopsys Inc., and Cadence Design Systems have been attracted to Taiwan for AI hardware/software development, high-bandwidth memory technology, automotive chips, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, EDA software tools, among other critical technologies.
Currently, around forty international companies operate R&D centers in Taiwan, planning an investment of approximately NT$24.4 billion for 2024—a new record that reflects strong foreign investor commitment to the Taiwanese market.
Chiu also emphasized that these multinational corporations are not concentrated solely within Taipei City and New Taipei City but are strategically located across various regions of Taiwan, benefiting local talent development, improving wage levels, creating job opportunities, and driving technological innovation.
Furthermore, this program has facilitated over a thousand domestic companies in engaging in joint R&D activities with foreign partners. This collaboration elevates technical standards among Taiwanese firms and assists traditional industries and startups in integrating AI technology into their operations.
Despite concerns regarding TSMC’s overseas expansion plans under potential future administrations, Chiu underscored Taiwan's significance within global supply chains, noting that numerous multinational corporations remain willing to invest heavily here—underscoring its irreplaceable role as an “intangible silicon shield.”
These foreign investments align with Taiwan’s strategic focus on five key industries: semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), military industry, security control systems, and next-generation communications. This alignment will play a crucial part in transforming the island into a global AI hub.
Responding to media inquiries regarding government subsidies for international companies requiring at least 50% of their workforce to be foreign talent, Chiu clarified that this requirement has been extended from NVIDIA and AMD to all multinational corporations participating in A+ Global Partner Scheme or similar programs—including large domestic enterprises as well.
During a post-meeting press conference, Chiu further explained that for companies with annual revenues exceeding NT$20 billion applying under these schemes, they must ensure at least 50% of their workforce consists of foreign talent; however, this can be achieved through collaboration with universities to train international students and gradually employ them.
(Writer: Chang Ai)