Introduction

In the era of Cloud, Big Data, 5G and Internet-of-Things, Taiwan is lacking in relevant competences, applications and innovations although our information and communication infrastructure is of international standards. As a result, Taiwan has been slow in responding to the rapid changes of digital industries. In contrast, all the developed countries have been actively deploying strategic initiatives and R&D projects for forward-looking technologies toward the digital economy. It is imperative that Taiwan should take a proactive attitude in leveraging its advantage and technologies in information technology and communication, in order to establish international competitiveness in the technologies related to the digital economy.

The purpose of the action plan “Development of Forward-Looking Digital Technologies” is to provide technical solutions to industries and the society and drive the growth of a digital economy. It is necessary to establish relevant forward-looking technologies and applications given the emergence of the digital economy. It is also necessary to ensure the collaboration between academics and industries and support relevant sectors in Taiwan as the top of the national agenda. This should be followed with the control and ownership of technologies and the export of technical services, in order to create economic growth.

This action plan serves as the cornerstone of the DIGI+ framework, with efforts in the development of smart technologies, 5G, Internet-of-Things, drones and driverless cars, cybersecurity, culture tech and content innovations and application. The guiding principle is openness in software, data and standards. Meanwhile, digital infrastructure is prioritized in the budgetary planning and resource allocation, in order to accelerate the establishment of key facilities, equipment and service platforms for innovations. Other tasks include the development and production of high-end analytics tools and automated property analytics facilities, Industrial 4.0 systems, smart robots in science parks and innovation hubs. All these initiatives will set the tone for other key tasks in the DIGI+ masterplan, in order to meet the long-term requirements for smart cities and industries in Taiwan and foster our international competitiveness.

Promotional Strategies

1. The R&D efforts are focused on smart innovations and applications, such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (e.g. AI on chips), fintech, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). The vision is to create the next generation of killer apps with innovative thinking and forward-looking technologies.
   • Big Data: the construction of the computing platforms for Big Data; real-time Big Data mining and analytics; active learning sample selection algorithms, SoLoMo (Social/Local/Mobile) technologies; cloud computing and fog computing; resources allocation technologies;
   • Artificial Intelligence: High-speed neural networks; deep learning; reinforcement learning; case-based reasoning; artificial intelligence understanding and response; reinforcement learning; development and acceleration of training systems; advanced machine learning engine chips; silicon brains; optimization of energy-efficient mobile computing processors. The production of smart robots involves machine learning, artificial intelligence, computing, high-precision components and mechanics, compound materials and electric/electronic parts of high-end servers. This will constitute a significant supply chain;
   • Fintech: creation of innovative and secure electronic currencies; design of a cashless environment; biometrics identifications and personalized passwords; Cloud-based financial services with data protection mechanisms; customized robo-advisors and services; blockchain and transaction verifications;
   • Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: computer graphics and computer vision; integration of multiple immersive designs and user’s perception feedback.
2. Development and ownership of key technologies, innovation services and applications in 5G and IoT as a testing ground for international cooperation
   • Forward-looking technologies in 5G and IoT: sensors for Connected Cars, Connected Homes, Connected Health and Connected Communities; Big Data communication technology; network slicing, device management and virtualization; Cloud applications; Big Data analytics; access and software for 5G small cells; key RF components for small cells; SON (self-organizing network) and network management technologies; terminals for 5G and IoT Big Data connectivity; 5G mmWAVE; energy-efficient IoT technology; super-reliable, low-latency IoT connectivity; integration of R&D efforts from academics, industries and research institutions regarding key patents in 5G and IoT;
   • Development and ownership of 5G and IoT technologies, systems, applications and services: super high-density broadband network systems; 5G IoT systems and platforms; innovative applications, system integration and validation and demo cases of 5G and IoT; R&D, testing and introduction of 5G and IoT technologies; review and revision of the systems, governance and laws/regulations regarding frequency clearance, licensing and technologies for emerging communication and innovative applications;
   • Establishment of a testing ground for international cooperation in order to enter the global supply chain: creation of the validation environment for 5G and IoT systems to reduce the barriers for domestic R&D projects administered by academics, industries and research organizations to conduct empirical tests; international development of shared and hierarchical platforms for simulations and testing; acceleration of the R&D in 5G and IoT; collaboration with international equipment manufacturers in the development and deployment of laboratories for forward-looking IoT systems and applications; promotion of cross-disciplinary strategic alliances; deepening of the joint efforts between the companies in Taiwan and international telcos, OEMs and research organizations
   • Participation in the international standardization of 5G and IoT, in order to stay ahead of the industry: encouragement of the Taiwanese academics, industries and research institutions to get involved in international standard bodies and conventions, such as 3rd Generation Partnership Project(3GPP), IoT Industrial Internet Consortium(IIC) and OneM2M in Europe; engagement in the proposal for 5G international standards, keeping up with the schedule of international standardization; establishment of key patents in 5G to enhance the intellectual properties of Taiwan; development and modification of integration specifications and timeframes for key technologies and systems on a rolling basis; formation of the strategic blueprint for a comprehensive set of technical elements for communication standards in order to ensure the future products in compliance with standardized specifications and time to market for the companies in Taiwan.
3. R&D of innovative technologies and system platforms for droves and driverless cars, platforms for innovative applications and access technology of navigation graphics
   • Nurturing of cross-disciplinary talents: R&D projects administered by academics, industries and research institutions on key technologies as a vehicle to develop domain talents; cooperation across disciplines to accommodate needs for a plethora of connected services (e.g. fleet management, automated positioning and GIS services, driverless cars and mobility services) in order to develop system integration talents;
   • Step-up in the R&D efforts for key components, system integration, software and applications: development of navigation and deployment for unmanned vehicles; dispatch management, remote control and aviation management; automated positioning and GIS services, driverless cars and mobility services, and relevant hardware, software and integration technologies; fleet management, sensor fusion, image recognitions, Big Data analytics, artificial intelligence to address the requirements of different scenarios; processing and graphic access technology after positioning indoors/outdoors; kinetic man-machine interfaces; virtual reality software processing; gradual development of system integration for unmanned vehicles and then unmanned navigation systems to meet the needs for applications and services in lifestyle, environmental protection, public safety, urban services and business activities.
   • Field verification for the feasibility of systems, technologies, applications and models: planning for the unmanned fleet management and monitoring systems with remote control and auto cruise functions; smart and light vehicles, applications and services powered by remote management and auto dispatching of unmanned vehicles; unmanned fleets and droves to be managed by human operators or centralized control computers via Wi-Fi, 4G and 5G; integration of technologies such as sensor fusion, advanced communication, artificial intelligence and system integration, track and monitor the environment, equipment or facilities and reduce hazards and human resource burdens; testing grounds or trial operations of a variety of driverless/pilotless technologies for different scenarios so as to drive the development of innovative services in Taiwan; planning of field validations for different applications such as energy equipment, police and public safety monitoring, disaster assistance and investigation from the government;
   • Formulation or amendment of relevant laws and regulations:
     The enactment or amendment of relevant laws and stipulations on traffic control, equipment inspection, safety liabilities and privacy will be evitable if driverless vehicles are to be widely adopted. This covers traffic rules, aviation laws and implementation measures concerning driverless service systems and platforms, deployment and management of aviation management systems and platforms to ensure the smooth operations of innovative services and business models.
4. R&D of forward-looking information security technology for the industries; strengthening of information security defence for cloud services; fostering of the ecosystem for information security companies in Taiwan; construction of an information security defences system for all the government agencies in Taiwan; R&D of forward-looking information security technology for industries and applications, e.g. IoT, fintech, 5G infrastructure (SDN/NFV/Cloud); analysis of safe/malicious programs, active/passive vulnerability; establishment of a research database for Big Data, information security and forensics; probing of machine perception weaknesses; business intelligence and analysis; deep learning on threat defense, information security and privacy;
5. Culture technology and content innovations and applications; establishment of an ecosystem for the contents, innovations and applications of culture technology; development of innovations and applications of culture and information technology; R&D of 3D high-definition graphics analytics platforms, services and value added technologies anchoring on high speed graphics; integration of remote imaging processes and video Big Data analytics to accelerate cross-disciplinary creative initiatives and build a comprehensive creative service chain for individuals and companies.
6. Support in the deployment of key equipment and instruments and service platforms for industrial innovations; local manufacturing of equipment and instruments with forward-looking research; development of talents required for R&D, technology and emerging industries; development and manufacturing of key equipment for advanced semiconductor packaging and 3D printing, with the focus on (a) key components and equipment for advanced semiconductor packaging and service platforms for additive manufacturing.
7. R&D and manufacturing of high-end analytics tool and automated characteristics analysis facilities to lay down a foundation of the high-end analytics equipment and agricultural automation industries; manufacturing of automated analytics tools and monitoring systems for agricultural machinery, based on Big Data analytics; at last not the least the development of high-end instruments and the automation industry in Taiwan.
8. Deployment of smart manufacturing systems with core features such as smart production scheduling, manufacturing process self-planning, autonomous control over quality and equipment health diagnostics; promotion of investments from small-and-median enterprises in industry transformation after their first-hand experience with improved efficiency and flexibility; establishment of a digital metrology center and a digital interactivity center in the cluster of companies in delicate machinery in Central Taiwan with the support from the Taichung City Government.
9. Invitation to makers to allow for rapid realization of creative ideas; smart robots as the heart of the science parks to develop government-sponsored R&D laboratories; the integration of technological competences among companies, academics and research institutions in Taiwan and professional expertise in the international community to inspire creativity; development of cross-disciplinary talents and the robotics industry.