National Science Council achievements: Pioneering research, industry clusters drive biomedical value to NT$750 billion
With the aging population and increasing focus on health, Taiwan is poised to develop precision medicine into the next-generation “pillar of national strength” alongside its renowned semiconductor industry. Since 2017, the National Science Council (NSC) has been implementing biomedical innovation programs and promoting the “Taiwan Precision Health Industry Policy.” This initiative incorporates pioneering research, regulatory improvements, and industry clusters. As a result, Taiwan’s biomedical output exceeded NT$750 billion in 2023, with the industry’s market value surpassing NT$1.6 trillion by April this year.
Poised to become the next “pillar of national strength”
NSC Chairman Wu Cheng-Wen, in his first business report to the Legislative Yuan yesterday, emphasized leveraging Taiwan's semiconductor strengths and fostering cross-departmental collaboration to advance precision medicine. By utilizing advanced research, big data, and AI computation, the focus is on developing early screening technologies for major diseases, preventive medicine, innovative biomarkers, and disease risk assessment models. The goal is to continuously integrate interdisciplinary biomedical research and invest in precision health, smart healthcare, sports technology, and the aging industry, ultimately enhancing public health and well-being.
NSC coordinates biomedical industry development programs
Adapting to global trends, the NSC has coordinated with other government departments since 2017 to promote the "5+2 Industrial Innovation Plan | Biomedical Industry Innovation Program." In 2019, it launched the Precision Health Initiative, covering health maintenance, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. In 2021, this initiative was incorporated into the "Six Core Strategic Industries Promotion Plan | Taiwan Precision Health Industry." This strategic alignment has led to a projected NT$750 billion revenue for the biomedical industry in 2023, with the market value surpassing NT$1.6 trillion by April 2024.
Taiwan ranks first globally in several areas, including healthcare, post-pandemic recovery, digital competitiveness, and total national R&D personnel. According to the global database website "Numbeo," Taiwan has ranked first in the world for healthcare indices for five consecutive years.
Biomedical clusters and parks across northern, central, and southern Taiwan
Biomedical clusters and parks are established across Taiwan, including the National Biotechnology Research Park and the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park in the north, which foster new drug development and smart healthcare innovations. In central and southern Taiwan, the Science Parks specialize in minimally invasive medical devices, smart assistive devices, care and wellness, raw material production, generic drugs, dental materials, and orthopedic implants.
Recent developments include the National Biotechnology Research Park facilitating basic research through to animal and clinical trials. The Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park houses the Hsinchu NTU Hospital Biomedical Campus, providing a translational medicine environment. Additionally, the completion of the second and third biotech buildings in the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park meets the growing demand for biomedical manufacturing facilities.
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