ITRI Marks Three Decades of Taiwan-Europe R&D Integration

Since its 1996 inception, the ITRI Europe Office has evolved into a primary bridge for Taiwan’s industrial transformation. The organization has successfully facilitated nearly 100 joint R&D projects and secured participation in over 20 Horizon Europe programs. These efforts span 14 countries, creating a robust network that links Taiwanese expertise with research pillars like the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and TU Braunschweig.

ITRI Chairman Tsung-Tsong Wu noted that the institution’s longevity relies on deep-rooted mutual trust rather than singular technical exchanges. A testament to this continuity is the renewed five-year memorandum of understanding with Fraunhofer, which targets expansion into AI, robotics, healthcare, and green energy. Johann Feckl, Director of Pre-Competitive Research at Fraunhofer, emphasized that such international connectivity remains the most effective mechanism for turning early-stage developments into tangible industrial impact.

Looking ahead, ITRI is broadening its geographic and thematic reach. Following the first anniversary of its London office and a strengthened partnership with the National Physical Laboratory, the institute is eyeing deeper penetration into markets in France, the Netherlands, and Central and Eastern Europe. By aligning with EU priorities in net-zero transitions and digital innovation, ITRI aims to integrate its network of startups and research institutes into a unified front for global industrial advancement.