On November 29, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and the French Office in Taipei jointly announced the signing of a Science and Technology Cooperation Convention (STC) between Taiwan and France. During the press conference, NSTC Minister Wu Tsung-Tsong and French Office in Taipei Director Franck Paris revealed the convention's focus on six key areas like semiconductor, quantum and space, signaling a commitment to comprehensively advancing scientific research collaboration between the two countries.
Wu highlighted France's noteworthiness, not only for its cultural richness but also for its significant contributions to basic scientific research. While acknowledging previous collaborative efforts between Taiwan and France, Wu emphasized that the STC, signed at a government level, will allow for a more strategic and comprehensive approach in scientific collaboration across designated areas.
Director Paris of the French Office in Taipei acknowledged the global recognition for Taiwan's strength in science, technology, and industrial development. He expressed optimism about the STC, stating that it will pave the way for more extensive and fruitful science and technology cooperation between Taiwan and France.
According to the agreement, Taiwan and France will intensify academic exchanges and collaboration in semiconductor and quantum technology, health, oceans, digital technology, network security, artificial intelligence (AI), green industries, energy, carbon reduction, and space. The collaboration aims to enhance the competitive advantages of both countries, with the NSTC planning to host the first Taiwan-France scientific research conference in May 2024, inviting French experts to participate.
France, known for its literary and scientific contributions, has a strong academic standing with numerous Nobel laureates. The government-level collaboration with Taiwan underscores France's recognition of Taiwan's academic prowess and offers Taiwanese researchers access to elite international academic circles.
Taiwan and France have a history of close scientific research collaboration, with existing short-term exchange programs for postdoctoral researchers. The focus moving forward will be on establishing joint laboratories and expanding collaborative research projects. Key French academic institutions, including Academie des Sciences, CNRS, Inserm, INRIA, CNES, IFREMER, Institut Pasteur, and INRA, have signed memoranda of understanding or bilateral agreements with Taiwan's NSTC, fostering enduring collaborations. The NSTC looks forward to continued success, building on the rich legacy of scientific collaboration between Taiwan and France.
