TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Rising AI demand drove Taiwan’s three science parks to a record NT$5.8 trillion (US $185 billion) in revenue last year, with Southern Taiwan Science Park recording the highest growth, according to the National Science and Technology Council.
Hsinchu Science Park posted NT$1.7 trillion in revenue last year, up 12.25% from 2024; Central Taiwan Science Park recorded NT$1.13 trillion, growing 9.29%; and Southern Taiwan Science Park reached NT$2.97 trillion, rising 34.26%. The council forecasts further growth for the science parks this year, per CNA.
According to the council, companies in the science parks number 1,171 and employ over 340,000 people. Including related supply chain partners. The parks’ revenue accounts for more than 20% of Taiwan’s GDP, on average, making the parks a vital economic driver.
Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文) said the integrated circuit sector was the top performer in the science parks last year, with revenue up 26.8% to NT$4.83 trillion.
Wu noted the government will support traditional industries’ transformation and the growth of biotechnology, smart healthcare, robotics, drones, and space. The government hopes to make these sectors as strong as the semiconductor industry.
The council will partner with the Ministry of Economic Affairs to ensure a stable water and electricity supply, Wu said. Some regions of Taiwan face uneven rainfall, with Hsinchu particularly affected due to high water demand from tech companies and relatively small reservoirs.
In response, the government is launching a program to transport water from northern reservoirs through pipelines and promote the use of recycled water, Wu added. A desalination project is also underway.
Wu said the ministry and Taipower are reviewing plans to reopen the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, emphasizing safety and correct nuclear waste management. He added that Taiwan still relies heavily on natural gas for power generation and needs to expand carbon capture efforts.
To help domestic companies establish industrial clusters abroad, Wu said the council will negotiate with local governments on land use, regulations, and tax issues to secure better investment conditions.
