A U.S. delegation arrived in Taiwan to take part in the first U.S.-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Dialogue (STC-D), which was welcomed by Premier Chen Chien-jen. The Premier added that the first meeting of the STC-D includes scientists and professionals from the U.S. government departments and organisations and that it comes after both countries signed a Science and Technology Agreement (STA) in December 2020.
The STC-D, according to the Premier, is an innovative Taiwan-U.S. step. scientific cooperation and reflects the U.S. appreciation of Taiwan’s scientific and technological advantages. Earth and environmental sciences, satellite technology, information and communications technology, cybersecurity, biomedicine, public health, and talent exchanges are just a few of the areas in which Taiwan and the U.S. are collaborating.
The Prime Minister stated that these numerous large-scale cooperation projects not only promote the advancement of science and technology and public welfare but their influence and contributions also benefit the global community. He expressed confidence that Taiwan’s strong dominance in the semiconductor and information and communications industries will facilitate more scientific and technological innovation, and he expressed hope that mechanisms for more comprehensive and inter-disciplinary scientific cooperation will be established through the STA and STC-D.
Jason Donovan, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of state for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, stated that during the last two days of its visit to Taiwan, the delegation has focused on their shared values of democracy, transparency, and human rights, and has committed to a mutually beneficial partnership that expands Taiwan’s capacity for international science and technology cooperation.
According to him, the U.S. is eager to solve problems with Taiwan, ranging from climate change to endemic diseases, and is eager to expand future collaboration based on the agencies’ existing, longstanding relationships. To prevail in global strategic competition, the U.S. recognises the significance of collaborating to present a compelling vision of how to use science and technology for the benefit of the people.
In addition, the Ministry of Digital Affairs (moda) launched the 2023 Presidential Hackathon International Track in Taipei City, urging individuals from all walks of life to submit innovative ideas for data applications targeted at enhancing people’s lives and promoting new methods of governance.
The fifth incarnation of the event, organised by the Executive Yuan and implemented by the moda under the supervision of the Presidential Office, is titled “Free the Future: Open, Digital, and Green.” The theme aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations, according to the moda.
Digital Minister Audrey Tang stated that the time is opportune for new methods of inclusive conflict resolution based on co-creation and enhanced communication to address geopolitical tensions that affect everyone. She added that this approach demonstrates the moda’s dedication to promoting participatory policymaking and the transition to a net-zero world.
Open data and technology are essential for drawing people together to address shared challenges, according to Tang, who added that consensus among diverse groups must be reached to develop viable solutions. The selections will be evaluated based on feasibility, influence, and originality, according to the ministry, which added that the results of the preliminary evaluation will be announced by June 30.
Since its inception in 2019, the international route of the hackathon has solicited creative contributions from 147 teams representing 34 countries. It promotes cross-border, interdisciplinary, and public-private collaboration to identify potential societal solutions that meet the global development requirements of nations.
