Taiwan is accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence in small- and medium-sized enterprises through targeted government programs to enhance industrial competitiveness, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The ministry’s Industrial Development Administration launched an industry competitiveness counseling initiative in October 2025. The program links research institutes and industry associations to provide integrated services, including consultation, on-site guidance and AI tool adoption.
According to the IDA, four regional centers and 44 subindustry advisory teams have been established at Industrial Technology Research Institute in Hsinchu County, Precision Machinery Research and Development Center in Taichung City, Metal Industries Research and Development Centre in Kaohsiung City and Stone and Resource Industry R&D Center in Hualien County.
As of the end of March 2026, the program has assisted 2,058 companies in adopting AI, with small- and medium-sized enterprises accounting for 91 percent, the administration said.
To further support value creation, the IDA is providing funding through a special budget for industrial transformation. At least 197 companies have received subsidies totaling NT$900 million (US$28.4 million) to support technological upgrades, cross-sector integration and development of new products and processes.
In addition, the administration has promoted talent development through training programs and certification mechanisms. More than 21,000 people have participated in certification exams, with 8,464 obtaining credentials and gaining employment at 4,800 companies, the IDA said.
The administration said AI development is a global trend and a key factor shaping economic growth and national security. According to the Global AI Index, Taiwan ranked 16th in 2025, up from 21st in 2024, reflecting steady progress in national AI capabilities.
The government will continue advancing AI adoption across industries and helping SMEs overcome transformation barriers to create a new wave of industrial growth, the administration concluded. (POC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
The ministry’s Industrial Development Administration launched an industry competitiveness counseling initiative in October 2025. The program links research institutes and industry associations to provide integrated services, including consultation, on-site guidance and AI tool adoption.
According to the IDA, four regional centers and 44 subindustry advisory teams have been established at Industrial Technology Research Institute in Hsinchu County, Precision Machinery Research and Development Center in Taichung City, Metal Industries Research and Development Centre in Kaohsiung City and Stone and Resource Industry R&D Center in Hualien County.
As of the end of March 2026, the program has assisted 2,058 companies in adopting AI, with small- and medium-sized enterprises accounting for 91 percent, the administration said.
To further support value creation, the IDA is providing funding through a special budget for industrial transformation. At least 197 companies have received subsidies totaling NT$900 million (US$28.4 million) to support technological upgrades, cross-sector integration and development of new products and processes.
In addition, the administration has promoted talent development through training programs and certification mechanisms. More than 21,000 people have participated in certification exams, with 8,464 obtaining credentials and gaining employment at 4,800 companies, the IDA said.
The administration said AI development is a global trend and a key factor shaping economic growth and national security. According to the Global AI Index, Taiwan ranked 16th in 2025, up from 21st in 2024, reflecting steady progress in national AI capabilities.
The government will continue advancing AI adoption across industries and helping SMEs overcome transformation barriers to create a new wave of industrial growth, the administration concluded. (POC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
from Taiwan Today – Top News