TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 23, 2025 — The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) hosted the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership Forum in Taipei on May 23 to address growing geopolitical risks and shifts in the global supply chain. The forum, aligned with the government’s initiative to create semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies, explored supply chain security, international collaboration, and complementary technologies. The themes discussed were Innovation, Security, Resilience, and Prosperity. The event drew over 700 industry leaders and government officials, including representatives from foreign trade offices in Taiwan.

President Lai Ching-te stated that democracies must unite to tackle challenges like dumping, leveraging their strengths to ensure a resilient semiconductor supply chain. He affirmed Taiwan’s readiness to be a vital technological development hub in the AI era. The government is fostering supportive policies, offering financial and tax incentives, and developing data centers and supercomputers to boost industrial innovation.

Minister of Economic Affairs Jyh-Huei Kuo highlighted Taiwan’s central position in the global semiconductor ecosystem. The Ministry is encouraging global supply chain partners to invest, jointly develop the value chain, and explore new markets. Kuo also noted Taiwan’s commitment to working with like-minded democracies to establish reliable, self-regulating market mechanisms that protect trusted supply chains. The Ministry will also promote cross-border talent initiatives to connect Taiwan’s skilled semiconductor workforce with the world and enhance the competitiveness of democratic supply chain partners.

“Semiconductors are now a critical strategic asset in global economic and technological competition, necessitating deeply interconnected supply chains,” stated ITRI President Edwin Liu. “ITRI will concentrate on potential niche markets, spearhead key technology development, and strengthen global partnerships to improve supply chain transparency, cybersecurity, and adaptability. We will collaborate closely with partners worldwide—from materials and manufacturing to talent development—to explore innovation and “blue ocean” opportunities. Our aim is to create an open, inclusive semiconductor ecosystem where all partners can generate value and share in the success.”

“The United States and Taiwan have a longstanding, symbiotic relationship in the high-tech sector, with semiconductors at its core,” said Jeremy Cornforth, Deputy Director at the American Institute in Taiwan. He emphasized the increasing two-way investment, collaborative efforts to bolster supply chain resilience and technology security, and a shared dedication to building a robust and innovative global semiconductor ecosystem.

Kazuyuki Katayama, Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, pointed out that a resilient semiconductor supply chain requires comprehensive global collaboration, leveraging materials and equipment from Japan and Europe, design from the U.S., and manufacturing from Taiwan, to ensure both business success and economic security.

Lutz Güllner, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office, emphasized the EU’s close collaboration with like-minded partners to strengthen resilient and secure semiconductor supply chains and build robust AI infrastructure. He identified Taiwan as a key and trusted partner in this effort. With TSMC’s investment in Germany and growing cooperation between Foxconn and European firms in the semiconductor and space industries, the EU is committed to deepening its engagement with Taiwan.

Ruth Bradley-Jones, Representative at the British Office Taipei, stated, “Collaboration is essential for advancing and securing semiconductor and AI supply chains. The UK will continue to build partnerships, both to advance semiconductor and AI innovation and to pursue the policy and regulatory frameworks that support resilient and diversified global supply chains.”

Matthijs van der Hoorn, Deputy Representative at the Netherlands Office Taipei, noted, “The semiconductor industry is inherently global, and no country can tackle its challenges alone. As a key player in the global value chain, the Netherlands is dedicated to collaborating with governments, businesses, and research institutions to jointly build a resilient, reliable, and sustainable chain.”

Akira Amari, Honorary Chair of Japan’s Parliamentary Association for Semiconductor Strategy, asserted that the Japan-Taiwan alliance should serve as a foundation for like-minded countries to collaboratively construct a resilient semiconductor supply chain, from design to manufacturing, to mitigate economic security risks and ensure stable global industrial development.

The forum highlighted Taiwan’s strategies for enhancing semiconductor supply chain resilience. The first panel underscored the importance of alliances, markets, and talent, advocating for deeper collaboration with like-minded countries, increased investment in Taiwan, and the development of derisking mechanisms and talent networks. The second panel addressed challenges in advanced and mature process technologies and efforts to cultivate industry-ready talent at all educational levels. The third panel focused on the need for value-based alliances and the advancement of mid- to high-end process technologies amid supply chain restructuring and regionalization.

About ITRI
Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is a leading global technology R&D organization dedicated to innovating a better future for society. Established in 1973, ITRI has been crucial in transforming Taiwan’s industries from labor-intensive to innovation-driven. To meet market needs and global trends, it has introduced its 2035 Technology Strategy and Roadmap, which concentrates on innovation development in Smart Living, Quality Health, Sustainable Environment, and Resilient Society.

ITRI has a long history of incubating startups and spinoffs, including well-known companies like UMC and TSMC. In addition to its Taiwan headquarters, ITRI has branches in the U.S., Germany, Japan, and Thailand to broaden its R&D scope and foster international collaboration worldwide. For more information, please visit .

Media Contact
Annie Wu
Office of Marketing Communications, ITRI
+886-3-591-8406
aiyunwu@itri.org.tw

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

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