Latest update February 17th, 2019 12:00 AM
Taiwan plans NT$8.8 billion for social innovation: minister
Taipei, The government plans to spend NT$8.8 billion (US$287.20 million) on a social innovation action plan over the next five years to help promote Taiwan's "heartwarming power," Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang (??) said Thursday.
Tang, who is responsible for the government's digital technology portfolio, said on his Facebook page that resources for the action plan will come from 12 ministries and agencies.
The objective is to help Taiwan's social innovation ecosystem expand and to show the international community that Taiwan has the ability and willingness to help solve global societal issues, she added.
These efforts will build a positive environment for social innovation and steer Taiwan in the direction of sustainable development goals (SDGs) as promoted by the United Nations, Tang said.
Through bilateral exchanges, Taiwan will also be able to strengthen its soft power and connect with the world, she said.
Premier Lai Ching-te (???) has said the action plan could bring Taiwan in line with countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and strengthen links to the international community, Executive Yuan spokesperson Kolas Yotaka (???.???) said.
On the domestic front, Kolas said the premier also pointed out that social innovation can spur economic expansion, encourage the inclusive growth of society and the environment, and create a new model of economic growth based on the core values of "innovation, employment and equitable distribution" as expounded by President Tsai Ing-wen (???).
He also directed ministries and agencies to work together in providing assistance, including raising capital, for the implementation and promotion of social innovation.
The action plan, presented by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), was approved by the Cabinet at a weekly meeting held Thursday.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel
