The role of multinational technology companies in facilitating emerging enabling technologies for industry transformation: the case of artificial intelligence in intelligent manufacturing in Taiwan

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies play a key role in transforming Taiwan's manufacturing sector with the aim of upgrading to Industry 4.0, world-leading multinational technology companies have taken strategic actions to secure the market in Taiwan to take advantage of Taiwan's long-established, world-renowned manufacturing capabilities, especially for information and communications technology, semiconductors and precision machinery. This research employed the framework of the technological innovation system to analyse the technology promotion and development of AI in Taiwan, while the profound influences of multinational technology companies on the AI innovation system were recognised, including the system functions of 'knowledge development', 'knowledge diffusion', 'guidance of the search' and 'resources mobilisation'. Key characteristics of enabling technology were identified, while policy recommendations were also provided for further development.