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Health care industry

Taiwan to Drive Biotechnology Innovation with Genome-Based Research

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian recently emphasized the significance of genome-based biotechnological research in driving technological innovation and economic development for the country in the 21st century. The opening of the Genomics Research Center (GRC) building at the Academia Sinica marks a major milestone in Taiwan's life science research, positioning the GRC as the "bullet train" of the country's biotechnology sector. Chen's vision is to establish Taiwan as the Asia-Pacific hub for bio-tech venture investment, research, and development, with ambitious goals including attracting NT$150 billion (US$4.54 billion) in investment and establishing at least 500 biotech firms within the next decade.

Key Takeaways:

  • Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian identifies genome-based biotechnological research as a key driver of technological innovation and economic growth in the 21st century.
  • The Genomics Research Center (GRC) building at the Academia Sinica is a flagship project in Taiwan's life science research, with the aim of becoming the "bullet train" of the country's biotechnology sector.
  • The GRC is part of the national-level genomic medicine program launched by the government in 2002, and will provide a technological platform for Taiwan's biotechnology industry.
  • The government aims to attract NT$150 billion (US$4.54 billion) in investment in the biotechnology sector within five years, and establish at least 500 biotech firms within the next decade.
  • The establishment of the GRC will help achieve the goal of developing Taiwan into the Asia-Pacific hub for bio-tech venture investment, research, and development.
  • The GRC's research areas include functional genomics, chemical biology, cellular and molecular medicine, and bioinformatics.

Statistics:

  • NT$150 billion (US$4.54 billion) - the stated goal of investment in the biotechnology sector within five years.
  • Five years - the timeframe for attracting NT$150 billion in investment in the biotechnology sector.
  • At least 500 biotech firms - the stated goal of establishing biotech firms within the next decade.
  • NT$150 billion (US$4.54 billion) / 5 years - the estimated average annual investment in the biotechnology sector.
  • 2002 - the year the national-level genomic medicine program was launched.
  • January 2003 - the founding date of the GRC.

Sources:

  • (Asia Pulse, Nov 12)
  • (CNA, Nov 12)

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