Under the long-term trends of the low fertility rate and population aging, Taiwan faces a labor force shortage and structural aging. International competition for talent is also fierce, highlighting that Taiwan still lacks sufficient incentives for retaining and recruiting talent. Additionally, challenges such as skills not meeting the needs of industrial development, stemming from digital technology and net-zero transformation, restrict the upgrading and transformation of Taiwan's industries, affecting economic development and overall national power.
To achieve President Lai’s national political vision of innovation and prosperity and accelerate the implementation of an innovation-driven economic development model, solving the problems of quality and quantity of the labor force is crucial. Following the Executive Yuan's directive, the National Development Council (NDC) has coordinated the talent investment program under the National Project of Hope. This involves accelerating AI technology applications to improve labor productivity and reduce labor demand, while also promoting employment policies for middle-aged and elderly individuals, young people, and women to increase overall labor participation. Additionally, strategies and measures will be implemented to strengthen talent cultivation and improve the recruitment and retention of talent, thereby enhancing the quality and quantity of Taiwan’s industrial workforce.
By understanding the manpower needs of Taiwan's industry and drawing on international experience, the NDC has coordinated with related ministries and agencies to jointly plan this program; it is divided into two main themes with six major strategies.
- Main Theme 1：Enhancing Future National Talent Competitiveness
This theme will implement three strategies: cultivating talent in key industries, fostering digital skills with a solid foundation in humanities and social sciences, and promoting the circulation of international students and talent. The goal is to cultivate a total of 450,000 AI, green-collar, and cross-disciplinary digital talent by 2028. This will expand the pool of talent needed for industrial digital transformation, enhance the integration of talent with the world, and boost Taiwan's overall talent competitiveness.
- Main Theme 2：Global Talent Recruitment
This theme will adopt three strategies: recruiting foreign professionals in key industries, building a complete talent retention ecosystem, and expanding the retention of skilled foreign workers. By 2028, the goal is to recruit 120,000 foreign professionals and expand 80,000 skilled foreign workers. This approach aims to maximize the creation and retention of international talent with Taiwan experience, thereby meeting the talent needs for Taiwan’s industrial development.
Talent is crucial for future national power. The NDC will actively coordinate with related ministries and agencies to fully implement and promote this program, aiming to improve Taiwan’s talent both qualitatively and quantitatively. This will support industrial transformation and upgrading, accelerate economic development, and enhance overall national competitiveness.
