In an era defined by rapid technological change, only those who can discern emerging trends and plan ahead will be able to achieve sustainable growth momentum for Taiwan’s industries. Since 2013, ITRI’s Industry, Science and Technology International Strategy Center has continued to step up its research efforts, bringing together analysts and experts from diverse fields each year to publish IEKTopics, an annual special report highlighting the major issues Taiwan should prioritize over the next five years. The publication helps stakeholders stay informed of structural developments across the industrial landscape. Previous publications include:
- 2024 Resilience in Action: Technology Enables a Sustainable Taiwan
- 2023 Moving Forward 2035: 10 Mega Trends to Reshape Our World
- 2022 People Behavior Study in Taiwan for Net-Zero Sustainability
- 2021 International Linkage: Resilient for Co-Innovation, Sustainable for Co‑Prosperity
- 2020 Resilient Ecosystem: Cross‑domain Value Creation and Talent for Pilot
- 2019 Ecosystem Creation: Science‑Technology Value‑added to Converging Services
- 2018 2030 Advanced Technology from an Asian Perspective
- 2017 Sustainability: Circular Regeneration for Innovation Economy
- 2016 Solve Problem: Smart Innovation, Happy City
- 2015 Driving IoT at Full Steam for First‑Mover Advantages
- 2014 Triumph in Future: Envision Lifestyle to Lead Innovation
- 2013 Rally to Victory: Advanced Manufacturing as New Power for Taiwan
The year of 2025 ushers in a significant milestone marking the centenary of quantum science. The year is designated by United Nations as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), indicating that quantum technologies have become a focus of global attention.
As quantum technologies rapidly advance, global competition and governance issues are accelerating in tandem. Quantum technology has transitioned from research labs to industrial applications, with far‑reaching implications for national strategy, finance, healthcare, logistics, and beyond. Global development indicates the technology is advancing at an accelerating pace: CES 2025 has launched its first‑ever quantum zone, Quantum Means Business, and featured dedicated forums, signaling the dawn of the quantum era. Its impact is akin to giving AI a turbocharged engine, elevating its performance through breakthrough innovation rather than gradual improvement. At the same time, APEC is actively promoting quantum technology, urging member economies to attach more importance to the disruptive potential of AI and quantum, and advocating for cross‑agency alliances to increase engagement by SMEs and start‑ups. Cases in point: South Korea hosted Quantum Korea in 2025, while Australia introduced safety and risk‑management guidelines, demonstrating how countries are putting more attention to quantum issues through policy, standards, and industry collaboration.
Amid this global quantum wave, we have chosen “Quantum Technology” as the theme of the 2025 edition of IEKTopics, Infinite Quantum: A Century of Quantum, Shaping the Next Era. This report integrates insights from international and Taiwanese experts and presents ITRI’s latest achievements in core quantum technologies, supporting Taiwan as it enters a new stage of quantum development while addressing emerging challenges along the way.
In terms of content arrangement, this publication comprises five major themes with 31 articles. Beginning with global trends and breakthroughs in core technologies, it investigates the application potential of quantum technologies across finance, material science, pharmaceuticals, energy, and intelligent robotics. We also engaged a wide range of distinguished contributors, including an in-depth interview with Nobel Laureate Alain Aspect, whose insightful thoughts offer a forward‑looking perspective on the field. In addition, Professor Ching‑Ray Chang, an iconic scholar in Taiwan's quantum research community, contributes an article demonstrating how quantum technology is evolving from fundamental research to industrial applications.
Interweaving a worldwide perspective with Taiwan's capabilities, this publication outlines the entire landscape of quantum technology. Quantum is more than just frontier science; it will also drive industrial revolution and the development of a smarter society. As quantum technologies combine with AI, semiconductors, and communications, new models will emerge and redefine global competition. This report not only examines the current status, but also provides forward‑looking guidance to Taiwan's industry, academia, research institutions, and policymakers as we seek to position Taiwan in the global quantum revolution. From semiconductors to AI, the international technology landscape has been reshaped several times, and quantum technology is emerging as the next strategic pinnacle. Taiwan’s challenge lies not only in advancing R&D but also in converting the advantages we have into new drivers of growth by leveraging its deep capabilities in semiconductors, ICT, AI, and cross‑domain integration to create breakthroughs across industries.
Quantum technologies will serve as a key frontline of defence for national security and industrial resilience. Future competitiveness will depend not just on who commercializes first, but also on who can establish a holistic ecosystem that integrates R&D, talent, policy, and international collaboration. Only through forward‑looking vision and pragmatic strategies, supported by sustained investment and strengthened cross‑domain connections, can Taiwan secure its position in the global quantum era and participate in the reshaping of the international technology order with enduring prowess.
