From semiconductors to ocean technology: What Nova Scotia can learn from Taiwan’s innovation ecosystem

Taiwan produces close to 90 per cent of the world’s most advanced semiconductors — but its technology sector has much more to offer than chips.

From advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence to clean energy and uncrewed systems, many of Taiwan’s priorities overlap with areas where Nova Scotia has growing expertise. A recent international leadership program gave Digital Nova Scotia CEO Owen Sagness a closer look at those connections and where they could lead.

Owen served as a Canadian co-lead of the 2026 U.S. and Canada Visitor Leadership Program, an eight-day visit organized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation included 17 professionals working in trade and economic development across Canada and the United States.

Through meetings and site visits in Taipei and Kaohsiung, delegates explored Taiwan’s economy, manufacturing sector and approach to innovation. The itinerary included visits to major semiconductor manufacturers TSMC and UMC, along with research institutes and organizations working in advanced manufacturing.Visits to a tool-and-die plant and China Steel also showed the depth of Taiwan’s manufacturing network and its ability to turn imported raw materials into finished products at scale.

Connecting research with industry

Taiwan’s success as one of the world’s most important technology hubs comes in part from a deliberate effort to connect research with industry.The Industrial Technology Research Institute, commonly known as ITRI, helps turn promising research into technology that can be tested, manufactured and brought to market. With more than 6,000 employees, ITRI has helped launch and develop hundreds of companies, including TSMC.Nova Scotia is not looking to replicate Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. However, its model shows the value of creating clear paths for research and technical expertise to become products, companies and economic opportunities.

Shared areas of opportunity

Several of Taiwan’s strategic priorities closely match areas where Nova Scotia has growing expertise, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, clean energy, ocean technology and uncrewed systems.

The visit also raised questions about sovereign AI and how the data used to train an AI system can influence the cultural context and viewpoints reflected in its answers. As more organizations adopt AI, these questions are becoming increasingly relevant around the world.

Drone technology was another area of particular interest. Taiwan is working to diversify its supply chains for uncrewed systems, while Canada has experience developing sensors and technology that can operate in harsh environments. Nova Scotia’s strengths in ocean observation, autonomous marine systems and defence innovation could support future collaboration.

Energy was another shared priority. Like Nova Scotia, Taiwan is working to grow renewable energy, reduce consumption and strengthen its electricity grid. Its interest in offshore wind, energy storage and ocean energy could create opportunities for Atlantic Canadian companies and researchers.

Building business through trust

Supply-chain resilience came up throughout the mission. Governments and businesses are looking to diversify where important technologies and components come from, while building relationships with stable international partners.

Canada and Taiwan have also completed substantive negotiations on a Trade Cooperation Framework Arrangement intended to support closer trade and economic ties. While it has not yet been formally signed, the proposed arrangement points to growing interest in cooperation between the two markets.

Canadian businesses were frequently described during the visit as dependable potential partners. That could open doors for Nova Scotia companies, but those opportunities will depend on building long-term relationships and understanding the Taiwanese market.

One phrase shared during the mission captured this clearly: “Trust is now a technical specification.”

In Taiwan, business relationships are built through familiarity and credibility rather than approached as one-time transactions. That has much in common with Nova Scotia’s own business culture—and reinforces the value of international missions like this one.

The value of international missions is not always measured by an immediate deal. They build the relationships and understanding that can lead to future partnerships.

During a luncheon hosted by Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi, Owen joined discussions about trade, investment, talent development, AI and high-tech supply chains. He also spoke about the opportunity to build stronger connections between Nova Scotia and Taiwan’s business communities.The visit was an early step in that process. By continuing these conversations, Nova Scotia companies and institutions could find new opportunities to share their expertise, develop international partnerships and contribute to growing industries.