Welcome to the Oxford Taiwan Studies Programme, part of the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies.
One of the world’s most iconic miracle economies and most dynamic societies, Taiwan offers a wealth of lessons to the world. Taiwan has played a vital role in igniting regional economic growth, with many dimensions of mainland China’s prosperity benefiting from sustained Taiwanese investment. Situated in East Asia and culturally Chinese but grappling with many of the same challenges that face advanced industrial societies worldwide, Taiwan also demonstrates how 21st century societies can innovate, co-operate, and learn from each other.
Historically, Taiwan’s economic success depended on targeted support for key industrial sectors and the ability of small and medium enterprises to tap into global production chains. In the 21st century. However, Taiwan has recognised that innovation in economic development, technologies, education, health care, regulation, and other arenas is pivotal to its continued growth, its position in the world economy, and the wellbeing of its people. In recent years, policymakers, entrepreneurs, educators, and researchers have championed grassroots and multi-sector innovation to revitalise the economy within the context of wider demographic change and constraints posed by the People’s Republic of China. Example areas of such innovation include clean transport technologies, robotics for health care and aged care, apps to counter social media disinformation, creative industries and public-private partnerships for social innovation and governance innovation.
How is Taiwan’s push to innovate unfolding and transforming the economy, society and governance? What opportunities does this push create for Cross-Strait, regional and global economic ties and integration? What lessons can be learnt in East Asia, UK, Europe and globally from Taiwan’s innovative engagement with complex social and economic problems such as economic stagnation, environmental pollution, population aging, youth unemployment, social media disinformation, and governmental and regulatory inefficiencies etc.? The Oxford Taiwan Studies Programme seeks to explore these and other questions through seminars, workshops, conferences, collaborations and teaching.
If you would like to become involved or join the programme as an associate, or partner with us in developing programme activities, please email Ssu-Han.Yu@area.ox.ac.uk or rachel.murphy@area.ox.ac.uk.
