Taiwan signs agreement with UK’s National Physical Laboratory

臺灣與英國國家物理實驗室簽署協議

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute signed a cooperative agreement with the UK’s National Physical Laboratory on Thursday covering semiconductor measurement standards and cross-border scientific research.

The accord includes joint research projects and co-development of emerging technologies. Both sides said the partnership aims to lower costs for companies and boost industrial competitiveness.

ITRI said the signing was witnessed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Office of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the British Office Taipei.

ITRI President Liu Wen-hsiung (劉文雄) said the UK’s strengths in science, the green economy, and digital transformation complement Taiwan’s capabilities in semiconductors, ICT, and applied technology.

He said the agreement enables collaboration in key metrology fields such as semiconductors and advanced materials to promote global consistency in measurement standards. Technical exchanges will support the development of more inter-laboratory standards, and the framework also provides for future talent exchange and bilateral training.

Lai Jun-jie (賴俊杰), deputy director of MOEA’s Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, said the ITRI–NPL partnership will help standardize emerging industries and accelerate commercialization of new semiconductor technologies, strengthening Taiwan’s position in the global high-tech supply chain.