Management of technology in Taiwan

Abstract

National technological programs in Taiwan aiming at commercial applications have been proliferating. However, their management is incompletely documented. This paper uses a comparative-technology perspective to examine Taiwan's eight national programs in energy, materials, information, automation, biotechnology, electro-optics, hepatitis control, and food. It offers management implications concerning (a) national technology capability based on technology imitation and a strategy of backward integration; (b) R&D selection, technical service strategy, and performance; (c) interorganizational technology transfer; (d) alliance strategies; and (e) functional integration.

Technological development and cooperation in Greater China

“…For decades, the Taiwanese economy served as a low-cost and supplier able to react rapidly to market needs, particularly in components and low value-added products. It initially imitated technologies and production techniques developed elsewhere, then slowly acquired the development and design skills needed to make incremental modifications (Chiang, 1993).…”

“…The Taiwanese government appears to have strong, broad-based support for economic growth through active technology policies. Even though Chiang (1993) and others have noted shortcomings in the Taiwanese approach to technology, the basic picture remains that of an economy firmly committed to productivity enhancement and technological development. Taiwan is striving to meet stated goals of boosting nationwide R & D levels from 1.65% of GNP in 1990 to 2.22% in 1996 (Asian Business, January 1991).…”