Taiwan Launches Tri-Nation Tech Forum to Boost Cross-Border European R&D

The 25th Annual Conference on Tripartite Science and Technology Cooperation among Taiwan, Latvia, and Lithuania opened this week in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, drawing scientists, government officials, and industry representatives from the three countries. Chen Bing-yu, Deputy Director-General of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), delivered the opening address, emphasizing the solid foundation of cooperation in innovative research among the three nations and calling for expanded opportunities to participate in the European Union’s “Horizon Europe” program.

Since Taiwan, Latvia, and Lithuania signed a “Joint Call for Proposals” agreement in 2019, the three countries have cumulatively funded more than 65 cross-disciplinary research projects. These initiatives span diverse fields, including biomedicine, advanced materials, social sciences, and energy technology, and have yielded significant results in practical research and technology transfer. For instance, the integration of Taiwan’s microfluidic technology with Lithuania’s expertise in materials science has led to the development of low-cost sensors for environmental monitoring. Similarly, the combination of Latvia’s social science research with Taiwan’s digital governance platforms has facilitated the exploration of the social impacts of smart cities. These cases have not only enhanced the research competitiveness of the three countries but also created emerging industrial chains for local economies.

During the conference, research and development teams from the three nations shared their latest research progress and discussed priority areas for future collaboration. Chen noted that Taiwan possesses world-leading technologies in semiconductors, chip manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. Coupling these strengths with Latvia’s and Lithuania’s connections to the European market could provide a platform for Taiwanese companies to open up high-end European markets. Latvia and Lithuania expressed their willingness to assist Taiwanese enterprises in entering the European Union’s internal research and development and standard-setting processes, and to lower the threshold for participation in major European research programs through the joint call model.

A key highlight of this year’s conference was the discussion on how to further integrate into the “Horizon Europe” program. This EU initiative serves as the European Union’s blueprint for research and innovation through 2030, providing substantial funding and an international cooperation platform. The three countries have already jointly applied for multiple sub-projects under “Horizon Europe” and have achieved initial results. On the Taiwanese side, plans are underway to increase the number of applications under “Horizon Europe,” with a particular focus on energy transition and smart manufacturing, aiming to secure a foothold in the high-end European market.

From a diplomatic perspective, the tripartite cooperation between Taiwan, Latvia, and Lithuania represents not only scientific and technological exchange but also a strategy for Taiwan to seek diversified cooperation on the international stage. Given the limitations on Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, technological cooperation with smaller European countries allows Taiwan to enhance its international visibility and influence in contexts that do not directly involve political dimensions. Latvia and Lithuania, in turn, use this cooperation to deepen their relationships with Taiwan, fostering mutual benefits in technological innovation and talent development.

Looking ahead, the NSTC plans to host the 26th annual conference next year and will further promote the construction of the “Taiwan-Europe Innovation Network” to closely link Taiwan’s innovation achievements with the European market. The three countries will also jointly apply for more “Horizon Europe” projects and explore deep cooperation in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum information, and sustainable energy. Through this multilateral cooperation model, Taiwan can not only strengthen its own scientific and research capabilities but also provide the international community with more innovative solutions. (Source: Central News Agency)