It is an inevitable trend for Taiwan to develop innovative biomedical technologies that integrate multiple domains in the future, and Taiwan will leverage its strengths in information and communications technology (ICT) and manufacturing to continuously promote biomedical big data applications and establish smart healthcare infrastructure, according to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).
Deputy NSTC Minister Chern Yi-Juang shared these insights at a press conference after briefing the Executive Yuan on January 4, underscoring the government's commitment to promoting the precision health strategic industry. Chern stressed that the goal is to drive industry integration and innovation through policy guidance, realizing the vision of all-age precision health by 2030.
The Executive Yuan has actively promoted the "5+2 Industrial Innovation - Biomedical Industry Innovation Program" since 2017. With the introduction of the precision health initiative in 2019, collaborative efforts have been intensified since 2021 through the "Six Core Strategic Industries Promotion Program - Taiwan Precision Health." Taiwan's digital healthcare industry currently experiences robust double-digit annual revenue growth.
Premier Chen Chien-jen highlighted Taiwan has secured the top spot for five consecutive years in the Global Healthcare Index mid-year ranking by Numbeo. Stressing the need for a robust industrial ecosystem and clear regulations to propel cross-domain technological advancements, Chen urged forward-thinking approaches across all ministries to guide biomedical big data applications, support the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) industry, and integrate Taiwan's strengths in biotechnology, ICT, and other essential areas. These endeavors aim to materialize and nurture smart medical and smart agriculture chip industries to achieve the comprehensive vision of all-age health encompassing health, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care by 2030.
NSTC highlighted ongoing collaborations with relevant ministries to promote policies and regulations facilitating the development of emerging industries. This includes special regulations, medical device management laws, and directives for biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry development. The focus is on advancing industries like precision medicine, regenerative medicine, and digital healthcare while fostering the formation of robust industry chains.
In biomedical cluster infrastructure innovation, initiatives include the National Biotechnology Research Park's efforts to connect basic research to animal and clinical trial stages. In addition, the Hsinchu Branch of National Taiwan University's Biomedical Hospital in Zhubei serves the healthcare needs of the northern Taiwan region, providing a translational medical field. The construction of a biotechnology building addresses the demand for biomedical manufacturing facilities, contributing to the growth of the biomedical sector.
