Science and research cooperation with Taiwan (2. strana)

T A I W A N B u s i n e s s . E U l institutions l agencies Czech-Taiwanese "Technology Days" play a significant role in the development of scientific cooperation, as this event serves as a platform for establishing contacts, sharing of know-how and experience, as well as for match making. New partnerships usually result in various research projects. Its meetings are alternately held in Czechia and in Taiwan and they allow participants to familiarise themselves with local modern research infrastructures. Czech universities show great interest in joint research projects with Taiwanese experts in many areas. Artificial intelligence, robotics, medicine, nanotechnology as well as smart cities belong to the most popular ones. The Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei also provides assistance to various research teams in connecting them with their counterparts, thus enhancing cooperation in many areas, such as precision agriculture, environmental protection and circular economy. On the occasion of his visit to Taiwan in September 2020, the rector of the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague signed three memoranda with local universities. A long term cooperation between the Czech Technical University in Prague and the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology recently resulted in an agreement on joint research program. The fight against the coronavirus not only confirmed globally a pivotal position of science for society, but also demonstrated the immeasurable value of contacts and links established in the past. The exchange of findings regarding COVID-19 between CAS and Academia Sinica represents an illustrative example. Joint Statement on a Partnership against Coronavirus (April 2020) constitutes another framework for the scientific cooperation and marks the creation of expert teams in the field of research and health technology. Technological advancement and an innovative approach play a fundamental role in Taiwan. Many high-tech devices help facilitate not only the treatment of patients but also the work of medical staff. Robots, for instance, are able to measure body temperature and to remind people to put on a face mask. Some can destroy the virus using UV light, while others can be used for testing or to disinfect the premises of hospitals. Just like Czechia, Taiwan faces the challenges of aging population and a shortage of health professionals and carers. Digital health definitely has a bright future in terms of patient care. Taiwanese elderly people can benefit from health monitoring and testing devices. For instance, they can measure blood pressure or detect health dysfunctions in time. Other tools help prevent dementia through games that train brain and body. More specifically, the diverse programs are focused on attention, reaction speed, movement coordination or joint flexibility. The data are sent to doctors and they can evaluate and compare results over time. This system is advantageous for both sides. On the one hand, it enables performance of independent health care in the comfort of home, on the other hand, it makes the job easier for healthcare professionals and saves their time. The Taiwanese experts work on interconnecting scientific community (academic, public and industrial). Large database of medical records, including medical images, serves as an instrument to develop cloud technologies as well as medical artificial intelligence enabling Taiwan to increase the quality of health care services and to secure its leading position in biotechnology, medical care and in AI-based precision medicine. A unique ability to use AI and IoT offers very good cooperation prospects in healthcare and related industries. Precision agriculture undoubtedly represents another common trend. Taiwan cares about the quality of food and resists the use of genetically modified plants. Moreover, it excels in the semiconductor industry and is the producer of most sensors used in IoT and high-tech devices required in robotics and solar technologies, i.e. in areas essential for agriculture. Farmers use specialized horticultural LEDs, which are able to adjust wavelengths of light at each stage of crop growth with the objective to increase yields. Special drones help farmers with spraying, dusting and with monitoring soil properties as well as the quality of fertilization and sowing. Both Czechia and Taiwan are interestedin developing AI for Manufacturing. The Czech Republic ranks among the most industrial countries and is highly specialised in the automotive sector, which requires further progress in the field of autonomous vehicles. Taiwan has accomplished and succeeded in substantial achievements in this field and is already in the phase of testing vehicles in heavy city traffic. The island is very proud of its high level traffic management and city logistics. Along with the USA, Japan and Korea, the Taiwanese society has entered the era of 5th generation networks this summer and has started the development of 6G. The use of low latency networks is expected to positively influence many areas, ranging from autonomous vehicle technologies to medical care and disaster management systems. Launching 5G networks marks another milestone in the semiconductor and IT capabilities of Taiwan. The Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei is glad to provide any further assistance in enhancing scientific and research cooperation. Author: Marie Leflerová Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei www.mzv.cz/taipei www.taiwanbusiness.eu 7