Taiwan-EU R&D milestone:  MOEA-backed industrial expansion into Europe generating over TWD4.2 billion in output value

　The Department of Industrial Technology under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (DoIT) held a press conference on January 7, 2026, titled “MOEA A+ Program—Advancing Cross-Border R&D Collaboration with Europe” to present the substantial achievements of Taiwan-Europe R&D collaboration in technology in recent years.  Taiwan-Europe collaboration has been moving into a phase, in which their collaboration is expanded and deepened.  To date, joint R&D calls for projects have been launched with 14 European countries and official MOUs have been executed with five countries.  In total, there have been 86 international collaborative projects successfully approved and funded by both governments, with government subsidies reaching TWD1.4 billion.  These initiatives have successfully enabled Taiwanese companies to generate TWD4.2 billion in output.  Also in this conference, three successful cooperation cases between Taiwan and Germany, the U.K., and Spain were also presented, which demonstrates that Taiwan’s industry has moved beyond “Made in Taiwan” toward integration into the “European supply chain”.  

　In response to post-pandemic recovery and shifts in global supply chains, Taiwanese investment in Europe has grown rapidly.  In 2024, the European Union became Taiwan’s 4th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding USD68.6 billion, which signals the continued deepening of the economic, trade, and technological cooperation between the two sides.   Looking ahead, Taiwan will adopt a strategic approach of “deepening ties in Western Europe, linking with Eastern Europe, and engagement with Northern Europe”.  Through forward-looking technology alliances and bilateral or multilateral R&D mechanisms, Taiwan will continue assisting the industry in aligning with Europe’s innovative technologies and reinforcing its competitiveness in the world.  

　Under the government’s proactive promotion, the “A+ Industrial Innovative R&D Program – Global Innovation Partnership Initiatives Program” has helped drive Taiwan’s industries to generate an estimated TWD4.2 billion in output value, with the semiconductor and photoelectronics sectors accounting for the largest share, which strengthens Taiwan’s international deployment of key technologies.  The following three highlight cases demonstrate the success of these R&D partnerships and international alliance.   

AiQ Smart Clothing develops machine-washable e-textile with German assistance

　Taiwan-based AiQ Smart Clothing has collaborated with RWTH Aachen University in Germany and a design company, Entwurfreich, to overcome industrial bottlenecks and successfully develop a “machine-washable e-textile” continuous manufacturing technology.  This technology is the first-ever fully automated, continuously operated, and one-stop production line, which is able to largely reduce cost and production steps.  The first batch of orders has reached 300,000 pieces and this technology may be applicable to smart clothing, sportwear, and wearable devices for rehabilitation.  

AWAN develops high-efficiency MIMO antennas with UK’s rapid prototyping supports

　Partnering with UK-based innovation technology company, including Q5D, Taiwan-based Advanced Wireless & Antenna Inc. (AWAN) introduces from the UK the rapid prototyping equipment and expertise to develop a rapid manufacturing technology for 3D structured electronic components enabling antenna prototyping to take shape as quickly as “3D-printed building blocks”.  This technology reduces prototyping time by 80%, shrinks component size by 50% and boosts transmission efficiency by 20% to 50%.  With this technology integrated into the product lines of internation laptop brands, it is expected to generate TWD190 million in output value by 2028.  

Accutex Technologies Co., Ltd. penetrates the EU market with Spanish access

　Taiwan-based Accutex Technologies Co., Ltd. works with the Spanish leading WEDM manufacturer, ONA to develop high-precision intelligent wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) equipment. This partnership combines Accutex’s manufacturing and cost strengths with ONA’s established brand recognition and distribution networks in Europe. Capable of manufacturing precision components, such as, aircraft turbines and high-end precision molds, the co-developed equipment has secured EU certification and entered the aerospace jet engine parts market.  In 2025, sales of the equipment skyrocketed by 152% compared to 2023, generating a cumulative output value of approximately TWD223 million.  

　Looking ahead, the Ministry of Economic Affairs will focus on “accelerating technological synergy and strengthening resilient deployment” as its core strategy, to continue leveraging multilateral platforms to expand partnerships.  The MOEA will further branch out into emerging critical technologies, including drones, robotics, and low earth orbit satellites, while fortifying Taiwan’s established advantages in semiconductors, optoelectronics, machinery, and information and communications.  (Released 2026.01.07)  
/CCS