Title: Development strategies and prospects for Taiwan's R&D service industry

Authors: Jiann-Chyuan Wang, Kuen-Hung Tsai

Addresses: Division of Taiwan Economy, Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, 75 Chang-Hsing St., Taipei 106, Taiwan. ' Department of Business Administration, National Taipei University, 69 Sec.2, Chien-Kwo N. Rd., Taipei 104, Taiwan

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, we analyse the current status of Taiwan|s R&D service industry, illustrating its importance for upgrading and transforming Taiwan|s industry. Second, we introduce Taiwan|s government policy measures to promote the R&D service industry, which should be given priority. Third, we provide policy recommendations for further development of the R&D service industry. In terms of production value, employment and exports, Taiwan|s R&D service-industry development is at a very early stage. Therefore, government involvement and assistance to promote its growth is advisable. Based on a survey of 40 experts, our empirical study shows that Taiwan|s R&D service industry, such as industrial-technology forecasting, industrial-information analysis, industrial-design service, intellectual-property packaging, added-value, appraisal, inter-mediation and trading are critical in terms of industrial linkage and that these have a strong impact on the economy. Its development, therefore, should be given top priority. Meanwhile, venture capital, incubating services, IC-design services and CRO are of secondary importance. Based on the influence and development pattern, the R&D service industry will become a driving force for the further growth of the manufacturing industry in Asian countries. Therefore, the government should play a more supportive role to promote it through policies such as education, financial capital and technological infrastructure provision.

Keywords: R&D service industry; knowledge-based service industry; Taiwan; research and development; government policy; technology forecasting; industrial design; intellectual property; Asia; manufacturing industry; education; finance; technological infrastructure.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2005.006013

International Journal of Technology Management, 2005 Vol.29 No.3/4, pp.308 - 326

Published online: 19 Jan 2005 *

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