Following an Office of Science and Technology briefing on its action plan for artificial intelligence (AI) at today’s Cabinet meeting, Premier Lai Ching-te observed that the plan’s objective is to build on Taiwan’s present advantages and use AI to hasten implementation of the “five plus two” innovative industries policy.

The key to promoting the plan will be coupling AI development with industry needs, said the premier. The responsible ministries and agencies were instructed to solve problems faced by industry as a starting point in guiding work under the “five plus two” policy. By making good use of AI technology and ensuring that AI personnel are directly involved with practical industry operations, all manner of businesses will be able to develop new and innovative modes of operation.

Microsoft’s announcement last week of plans to establish an AI research and development center in Taiwan affirmed that the nation has built a healthy environment for related industries, said Premier Lai. Responsible ministries and agencies must seize opportunities and expedite the development of smart technology, as well as expand recruitment to draw global talent and enterprises to Taiwan in order to build the nation into a smart technology powerhouse and a hub for AI innovation.

Intended to boost the application of smart AI technology through deregulation, openness and infrastructure investment, the AI action plan is structured around five key efforts: nurturing and recruiting AI talent, identifying cutting-edge research topics advantageous to Taiwan, creating an international hub for AI innovation, facilitating AI field verification and liberalizing laws and regulations, and pinpointing innovative AI solutions to meet industry needs and encouraging industry use of the technology.

Date: 2018-01-18
Source: Department of Information Services, Executive Yuan