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In November 2022, OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT 3.0 captivated the globe with its remarkable conversational abilities and extensive knowledge of societal nuances. This breakthrough cast a spotlight on the burgeoning field of generative artificial intelligence (AI), underscoring its transformative potential across various sectors. Traditionally, the development of AI has been a resource-intensive endeavor, with much of the focus directed towards powerhouses like the United States and China. These nations have long-term strategic plans to dominate the AI sector, as evidenced by the U.S. National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan and China’s New Generation AI Development Plan. However, a lesser-known but equally significant player in the AI arena is Taiwan.
Taiwan’s AI Journey: Historical Context and Technological Milestones
The journey of AI can be divided into three pivotal phases. The first phase began in the 1950s with Alan Turing’s groundbreaking work on “Computing Machinery and Intelligence,” which laid the foundation for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This phase was characterized by ambitious goals to replicate human intelligence, but by the 1980s, the focus shifted to more achievable objectives, known as weak AI or expert systems.
Taiwan’s involvement in AI began to gain traction during the third phase in the 1990s, marked by the advent of neural networks and machine learning techniques. The most notable breakthrough was in 2016 when AlphaGo, an AI developed by DeepMind, defeated South Korean Go champion Lee Sedol. This achievement highlighted the importance of computational power, vast data sets, and advanced algorithms—areas where Taiwan excels, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing.
Taiwan’s Strategic AI Initiatives
In 2017, Taiwan identified AI as a critical area for future growth, initiating the “AI Grand Strategy for a Small Country.” This initiative, managed by the Ministry of Science and Technology (renamed the National Science and Technology Council in 2022), aimed to build a robust AI ecosystem by investing $517.5 million. The strategy focused on establishing R&D centers, enhancing AI chip-making capabilities, and fostering talent through competitions and educational programs.
Complementing this, the AI Taiwan Action Plan 1.0 (2018-2021) sought to integrate AI into existing industries, supporting R&D activities and creating advanced AI infrastructure, such as the TWIWANIA series of supercomputers and the YOLOv4 real-time object detection system.
Regulatory Framework and Ethical Considerations
Taiwan recognizes that the rapid development of AI technologies brings both opportunities and risks. In 2019, the Legislative Yuan began drafting the AI Development Basic Law, aiming to balance industry promotion with privacy protection. This effort evolved into the Artificial Intelligence Fundamental Act, focusing on compliance, testing, and verification standards.
In response to the immediate risks posed by generative AI, the Executive Yuan issued Draft Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI by government agencies in 2023. Additionally, the AI Taiwan Action Plan 2.0 (2023-2026) emphasizes ethical standards and governance, aligning with international norms such as the EU Artificial Intelligence Act.
Conclusion: Taiwan’s Dual-Core Economic Strategy
Taiwan’s robust semiconductor industry serves as a solid foundation for its AI ambitions. As Paul Liu, head of the National Development Council, noted, AI has become Taiwan’s second economic pillar, following semiconductors. With a strategic focus on AI hardware development and an aim to increase its global market share, Taiwan is poised to become a significant player in the global AI supply chain.
Efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy further underscore Taiwan’s commitment to sustainable development. Initiatives like the Taiwan Renewable Energy Certificate (T-REC) system and advancements in “turquoise hydrogen” production reflect a comprehensive approach to integrating AI into broader economic and environmental strategies.
In summary, Taiwan’s strategic investments in AI, coupled with a strong regulatory framework and ethical considerations, position it as a formidable player in the global AI landscape. As Taiwan continues to leverage its strengths and address its weaknesses, it is well on its way to creating a prosperous future driven by artificial intelligence.
