“We’ve never pursued research for its own sake, it’s always been about solving real-world problems,” Dr. Tsai affirms. As a national research institute under Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), NIAR not only responds to the demands of national science and technology policy, but also serves as a critical platform and enabler. Building bridges among academia, industry, and policymaking to drive mutual empowerment.

“Our mission includes enabling technologies still in the academic phase to reach the market and become tangible solutions.” With a strong background in scientific research and deep policy expertise, Dr. Tsai has provided NIAR with a clear identity: “Technology implementation shouldn’t be a scattered series of isolated incidents, it should be a coordinated and structured system.” Guided by this vision, NIAR is evolving from a research institution into a dynamic platform for technology translation and policy implementation, playing a pivotal role in aligning Taiwan’s technological capabilities with global needs, and unlocking new avenues for international collaboration and shared success.

On 16 June 2025, NIAR co-hosted the “Taiwan–UK Sustainability Research and Development Forum” with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) at the iconic Entopia Building, a beacon of green innovation in Cambridge. The event marked a milestone in cross-continental dialogue, connecting academia, industry, and government from both regions to advance the future of sustainable development.

Between Europe and Asia: Three Strategic Pillars Under the Theme of Sustainability

This “Taiwan-UK Sustainability Research and Development Forum”, co-hosted by Taiwan NIAR and the University of Cambridge’s Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) at the renowned Entopia Building, served as a platform for fostering in-depth dialogue between Asia and Europe.

Key speakers included Sam Laakkonen, Senior Director of Sustainability Innovation at CISL; Dr. Mei-Yu Chang, Director of International Affairs at NIAR; Dr. Konrad Young, Director of Arculus Lab and CEO of the Industry-Academia Innovation College at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology; Dr. Radek Holý, Director of the Advanced Chip Design Research Center (ACDRC) in the Czech Republic; and Professor Jonathan Cullen, a leading expert in sustainable engineering at the University of Cambridge.

The forum centred on three strategic themes: net-zero emissions, resilient built environments, and sustainable semiconductors. “These themes weren’t chosen at random,” said Dr. Hung-Yin Tsai, President of Taiwan’s National Institutes of Applied Research (NIAR). “They represent the most urgent challenges facing global sustainability technologies today and more importantly, they are areas where Taiwan is uniquely equipped to make a global contribution.”

Dr. Tsai stressed that climate change has placed enormous pressure on the resilience of cities worldwide, making energy efficiency and disaster response a core element of urban governance. At the same time, semiconductors, long a cornerstone of Taiwan’s tech industry, have become essential to the world’s energy systems and computational demands. “Sustainable semiconductors,” he added, “are not just timely, they’re vital.”

These three focus areas clearly reflect NIAR’s vision of applied research as a system-wide, actionable platform, not just isolated innovation but a mechanism for scalable, real-world impact.

In addition to Dr. Tsai, the forum brought together a distinguished lineup of cross-disciplinary leaders from Taiwan and the UK. These included Dr. Simon Hsu, NIAR’s Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Juin-Fu Chai, Deputy Director General of NIAR’s National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering; Dr. Wen-Yi Chang, Research Fellow at NIAR’s National Center for High-performance Computing; and Dr. Jiunn-Yih Chyan, COO of DEUVtek Co., Ltd. and an expert in semiconductor process integration. Also present was Allen Cheng, CEO of Light Momentum Technology Corp. and a specialist in IC design.

From the UK side, Wendy Niu, Sustainability Innovation Manager at the British Standards Institution (BSI), contributed perspectives on regulatory frameworks. Dr. Agnieszka Iwasiewicz-Wabnig, Industry Lead for Zero Carbon Strategy at the University of Cambridge’s Maxwell Centre, and Viola Jardon, Director of Sustainable Innovation Programmes at CISL, offered insights on innovation ecosystems in the UK and Europe. Harry Hsu, CEO of《The Icons》, also participated, bridging the dialogue between leadership media and scientific advancement.

President Hung-Yin Tsai: Every International Dialogue Sets a Benchmark for the Future of Taiwan’s Global Tech Outreach

Empowered by NIAR, the spotlight at the Cambridge “Taiwan-UK Sustainable R&D Forum” this year shone on four pioneering forces representing Taiwan’s innovation and research capabilities: DEUVtek Co., Ltd., Light Momentum Technology Corp., Microip Inc. (along with its R&D arm, Arculus Lab), and the Advanced Chip Design Research Center (ACDRC), a joint initiative between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. These names stood not merely for technical achievement, but for the tangible transformation of scientific research into global collaborations.

The innovations showcased by these organisations span cutting-edge fields: from sustainable semiconductor materials and low-power AI chip design to integrated packaging solutions and international chip development partnerships. DEUVtek focuses on sustainable materials for the semiconductor industry; Light Momentum merges AI with green computing; Microip drives future electronics with advanced packaging technologies; and ACDRC supported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and co-established by NIAR and the Czech Cyber Security Hub in Brno, acts as a key node for European semiconductor collaboration and talent mobility. The three startups mentioned above also contribute their efforts to Taiwan-Czechia academic and industrial collaboration in ACDRC.

“We are not just building international bridges for strong technical teams,” said NIAR President Dr. Hong-Ying Tsai with conviction.

“Each international dialogue is a serious test and a standard-setting example for Taiwan’s future technology export models. We do everything we can to ensure these companies and institutions are able to cross boundaries and land in the corners of the world best suited to them. Forming real partnerships, R&D collaborations, and even commercial opportunities.”

According to Dr Tsai, NIAR’s long-term strategy is to strategically support enterprises with the maturity and readiness to connect with the international scientific community. Many of these featured companies are not only technically advanced but are also preparing for public listing. Once paired with global partners, their commercial and technological influence can lift the entire industry’s ecosystem.

“This isn’t hypothetical or aspirational,” Tsai concluded.

“It is concrete evidence of Taiwan’s tech sector entering the global supply chain and sustainable transformation agenda. It also defines NIAR’s very purpose to ensure Taiwan’s innovation finds its rightful place on the world stage.”

Embracing Global Tech Diplomacy: Taiwan’s Gateway into the International Sustainability Community

As technology increasingly becomes the central language of global governance and sustainable development, Dr. Hung-Yin Tsai, President of Taiwan’s National Institutes of Applied Research (NIAR), described the NIAR–CISL collaboration on the Taiwan-UK Sustainability R&D Forum as a “concrete exercise in technology diplomacy.”

“No matter the distance between Taiwan and the UK, or Taipei and Cambridge, we are all moving toward the same direction, responding to the global mission of sustainability,” Tsai remarked. Using a vivid metaphor, he added, “This collaboration is like two rapidly spinning tops meeting at the perfect moment, striking sparks of cross-disciplinary innovation.”

Held at the Entopia Building, headquarters of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), the forum carried symbolic weight. As the first building in the UK to simultaneously achieve EnerPHit, BREEAM Outstanding, and WELL Gold certifications, Entopia stands as a model for sustainable construction and healthy working environments. It is one of the rare global examples of a retrofitted structure that successfully meets both net-zero carbon and social impact goals.

“Entopia isn’t just a symbol of European green architecture,” Tsai emphasized. “It’s a living lab for sustainable innovation. Hosting this dialogue here reflects our commitment to embedding Taiwanese technological innovation at the heart of Europe’s sustainability ecosystem.”

The forum brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia across the UK, Finland, Czech Republic, and Taiwan, sparking an unprecedented international technology dialogue. “We’re proud to see Taiwan’s research perspectives recognized and responded to on the global stage,” Tsai said.

He further underscored that research should not remain confined within national laboratories. It must step into the global sustainability community, engage with global trends, and contribute meaningfully to international dialogue:

“What we co-created with Cambridge CISL was not merely a forum. It was a dialogue on technological sovereignty and global participation. This marks a historic moment for Taiwan’s science and innovation entering the global core, and reflects our role as a key contributor in the world’s sustainable future.”

Empowering Taiwanese Talent to Go Global, Welcoming Global Talent to Taiwan

In today’s world, scientific innovation is no longer the domain of isolated laboratories. Instead, it has evolved into a systemic endeavour, one that crosses institutions, borders, and cultures. Dr. Hung-Yin Tsai, President of the National Institutes of Applied Research (NIAR), underscores the importance of governance in fostering this shift:

“True innovation emerges when cross-disciplinary dialogue becomes a daily and institutionalised practice.”

Under his leadership, NIAR has developed a unique inter-centre collaboration mechanism that connects seven national-level research centres. Biweekly cross-centre executive meetings are held to review project progress and coordinate resources.

“This not only improves organisational efficiency but also lays the groundwork for genuine cross-disciplinary cooperation,” said Dr. Tsai. “Through familiarity and mutual understanding, collaboration becomes more than a slogan, it becomes reality.”

To further institutionalise a culture of innovation, NIAR launched the i-Dream Program, a biannual open call that encourages joint proposals among centres.

“We place strong emphasis on cross-centre and international collaboration,” Dr. Tsai noted. “Because only through the collision of diverse perspectives can true breakthroughs occur.” He views the initiative not merely as technical integration but as a strategic fusion of culture and talent:

“Our goal is to cultivate an innovation ecosystem capable of global dialogue, an ecosystem that extends beyond national borders and into our international partnerships and talent strategies.”

President Tsai Hong-Ying emphasises that NIAR’s mission is not only to send Taiwanese talent abroad but also to bring global talent into Taiwan. By promoting internships and research opportunities for European master’s and doctoral students, NIAR aims to provide the next generation with first-hand experience of Taiwan’s industrial depth and forward-thinking innovation.

“These students and scholars from around the world, working alongside young Taiwanese talent across NIAR’s platforms, represent the bridges to the future in our view. What we are cultivating is more than talent; it is every possible connection between Taiwan, the world, and what’s to come.”

For Whom Is Innovation Born, and Why Does Research Advance

“Discussing technological and sustainable innovation is not merely about linking technologies. It is a dialogue among society, humanity, and the environment,” affirmed Dr. Hung-Yin Tsai, President of Taiwan’s National Institutes of Applied Research (NIAR). He stressed that true innovation must respond to societal structures, cultural contexts, and ecological limits. “We should not only ask how to innovate, but more importantly, for whom we are innovating.”

As the interview drew to a close, Dr. Tsai concluded, “The value of science lies not in data, but in how it is absorbed and practiced by society.” He further emphasized that innovation which stays confined to academic papers, without being translated into tangible industrial or societal impact, falls short of its full potential. That is precisely where NIAR steps in—to build a systemic engine that brings cutting-edge technology into the real world.

Dr. Tsai also addressed a common challenge: when research remains isolated in academia, even the most precise technologies risk becoming castles in the air. To counter this, he has been actively promoting cross-center, cross-national, and cross-sector collaboration, not only to integrate technologies, but also to align culture and human capital: “Innovation cannot rely solely on technology; it must also inspire participation, be supported by institutions, and be embraced by culture.”

In Dr. Tsai’s vision, NIAR serves as a bridge connecting government, industry, academia, and research. It is not only an enabler amplifying Taiwan’s policy and technological capabilities, but also a platform for global dialogue and meaningful engagement with the times:

“With every international exchange, we showcase Taiwan’s strengths and contributions to the world. With every global collaboration, we enable our partners to feel that working with Taiwan is not only mutually beneficial, but also meaningful and sustainable.”

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On 9 December 2024, a delegation from the National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs) of Taiwan travelled to Spain, led by Dr Mei-Yu Chang, Director of the International Affairs Office. The delegation, accompanied by leaders from Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, participated in the Semi Impact Forum 2024 – Catalonia Chapter, held in Barcelona.

Professor Konrad Yang, Director of Arculus Lab, who previously served as Director of Research and Development at TSMC for nearly two decades and is recognised as one of the “Six Knights of R&D,” also attended the forum. Drawing on his extensive expertise in semiconductor technology, he opened the forum by sharing insights into Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, particularly the success of TSMC, and provided expert perspectives to guide the subsequent discussions.

Also present was Professor Rui Carlos Oliveira, Director of INESC TEC (Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science) in Portugal, who has extensive experience in international scientific collaboration. A long-time expert in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor research, and supercomputing, he has forged a strong partnership with Taiwan’s NARLabs, working together to advance research in cutting-edge computing and semiconductor technologies.Following the forum, Professor Konrad Yang and Professor Rui Carlos Oliveira sat down for an exclusive interview with The Icons, discussing the potential for collaboration between Taiwan and Europe in semiconductors, AI, and high-performance computing. They also explored how technological advancements transcend borders, driving global innovation forward.

Building International Connections Through the Semiconductor Industry – Kwang-Lei Yang: Taiwan and Europe Should Pursue a Complementary Path

“Taiwan’s long-standing strength in the semiconductor industry comes primarily from manufacturing and design, but we remain weak in upstream equipment and materials.” Professor Konrad Yang stated candidly.

He believes that while Taiwan’s semiconductor industry has traditionally focused on the US market, Europe remains a “forgotten land of opportunity.” “Europe has formidable capabilities in equipment and fundamental research, whereas Taiwan leads in manufacturing and design. This complementary relationship should be further strengthened.”

With the establishment of the Taiwan-Czech Advanced Chip Design Research Centre (ACDRC), collaboration between Taiwan and the Czech Republic has already begun. Now, Yang asserts, this model should be expanded to other European countries. He emphasises that small and medium-sized semiconductor firms may be the key to breaking into the European market:

“Large corporations are often constrained by their existing structures and market strategies, whereas start-ups and mid-sized companies are more agile. They can take the lead in entering the European market and forging deeper partnerships.”

Additionally, Yang argues that Taiwan’s education system must evolve to cultivate talent with a global perspective. “We don’t just need engineers—we need professionals who understand industry development, technological trends, and cross-border collaboration.”

Rui Carlos Oliveira: Distributed Architectures and High-Performance Computing Are the Cornerstones of Global Cooperation

Professor Rui Carlos Oliveira approached the discussion from the perspective of distributed systems and HPC, highlighting the possibilities for global technological collaboration. He believes that distributed architectures will play a pivotal role in future international cooperation, particularly in semiconductors and AI.

“Today’s ICT (Information and Communication Technology) systems are becoming increasingly complex, making cross-border collaboration no longer optional, but essential.” Oliveira noted that Taiwan and Portugal have highly complementary strengths in technology, making their partnership particularly promising:

“Taiwan holds an unrivalled position in semiconductor manufacturing, while Portugal has been investing heavily in semiconductor research and HPC. By working together, we can accelerate innovation and elevate each other’s technological capabilities.”

He highlighted the longstanding partnership between Taiwan’s NARLabs and Portugal’s INESC TEC, which dates back to 2017 and covers fields such as high-performance computing and marine technology. With the rise of AI, their collaboration has expanded further into artificial intelligence applications.

“This collaboration isn’t just about technology; it’s about building cultural understanding and trust. Different countries operate on different investment cycles, but rather than being a challenge, this time difference can create new opportunities for cooperation.”

Oliveira emphasised that global technological collaboration requires more flexible frameworks to accommodate the varying strategies and needs of different nations.

AI and HPC: Bridging the Tech Ecosystems of Europe and Asia

Portugal is rapidly emerging as a key player in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC). At the forum, Professor Rui Carlos Oliveira showcased Portugal’s latest advancements in HPC, emphasising the critical role these technologies play in shaping Europe’s technological ecosystem.

“We are building our core competitiveness in AI and HPC through industry-academia collaboration, government policies, and technological innovation,” he explained. A major strength of Portugal’s tech development lies in its close cooperation between higher education institutions and industry.

This model bears strong similarities to Taiwan’s semiconductor industry ecosystem, which is why Oliveira sees great potential for deepening AI and HPC collaboration between Taiwan and Portugal.

“We can accelerate knowledge exchange through joint research projects, talent development programmes, and industry-academia partnerships. The advancement of AI and HPC requires global cooperation, and that is exactly what we are working towards,” he noted.

Additionally, Oliveira highlighted Portugal’s efforts to build an international network for technological innovation, extending beyond Europe to foster stronger ties with Asian nations.

“The key to cross-border collaboration is an open mindset and a shared vision. We look forward to working with Taiwanese partners to drive technological development and expand market opportunities together,” he stated.

Technological Innovation and Talent Development: Building Global Competitiveness

Talent remains at the heart of technological progress, making it a crucial pillar of Taiwan-Europe collaboration. Professor Konrad Yang stressed that Taiwan needs more interdisciplinary talent to adapt to the evolving tech landscape.

“Our education system has been too focused on specialised fields. In the future, we should encourage more interdisciplinary learning, integrating engineering with humanities, and technology with management,” he suggested. Yang believes that such reforms will help Taiwan maintain its competitive edge in the global market.

Professor Oliveira further pointed out that Portugal’s experience in higher education and industry collaboration could serve as a valuable reference for Taiwan.

“Portugal’s technology talent development programmes are actively connected to the international market, allowing students to participate in cross-border projects and develop a truly global perspective,” he explained.

The Era of Single-Country Competition Is Over

In conclusion, Professor Konrad Yang reflected on how today’s technological competition is no longer confined to rivalry between individual nations but has evolved into a complex landscape of global cooperation and competition.

Professor Oliveira echoed this sentiment, emphasising that despite the geographical distance between Taiwan and Europe, both regions have found common ground in semiconductors, AI, and HPC.

“We are not just technology partners—we are partners in driving global innovation,” they both affirmed in unison.

From semiconductor manufacturing to AI research, from HPC to talent development, this dialogue between the two experts and The Icons editorial team not only unveiled the future direction of the tech industry but also marked the beginning of a new chapter in Taiwan-Europe collaboration.

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The post Exploring the Future of Taiwan-Europe Collaboration Through Semiconductor and High-Performance Computing Transformations – An Exclusive Interview with Professor Konrad Yang, Director of Arculus Lab, and Professor Rui Carlos Oliveira, Director of INESC TEC first appeared on The Icons.