Health Technologies in Taiwan 2024

The Health Technologies Global Expert Mission (GEM) visited Taiwan in March 2024, with the purpose of identifying areas of potential collaboration between UK innovators and partners on health data research and development (R&D).

Project

Health Technologies in Taiwan 2024

Location

Taiwan

Theme

Health Technologies

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Top Five Insights

  • Taiwan has a universal healthcare system with advanced digital infrastructure, including the My Health Bank app and the National Health Insurance Cloud System, allowing patients direct access to healthcare providers without a primary care gatekeeper.

  • Institutions like the National Biotechnology Research Park and the Industrial Technology Research Institute highlight Taiwan’s commitment to healthcare innovation, particularly in drug discovery, medical devices, and Smart Medical City initiatives​.

  • Taiwan is investing in AI-driven healthcare solutions, with government subsidies supporting initiatives. However, challenges persist in data sharing, regulation, and reimbursement​.

  • Potential areas for collaboration include knowledge exchange, training programs, ecosystem development, and regulatory alignment. Joint research in clinical trials, medical device development, and health data infrastructure is particularly promising.

  • Bureaucratic hurdles, regulatory differences, cultural challenges, and funding constraints pose barriers to deeper collaboration. Addressing these issues could unlock significant opportunities for innovation and economic growth.

Abstract from outcome report:

Taiwan operates a comprehensive, universal coverage healthcare system. Notable features include advanced digital infrastructure such as the My Health Bank app and the National Health Insurance Cloud System. The funding of healthcare services involves government contributions, employer contributions and individual co-payments. Unlike the UK, Taiwan does not have a primary healthcare gatekeeper role, allowing patients to directly access healthcare providers of their choice. The UK and Taiwan have shared healthcare goals and challenges. Institutions like the National Biotechnology Research Park and Industrial Technology Research Institute showcased Taiwan’s commitment to innovation in healthcare. Key areas of interest include drug discovery, medical device development and Smart Medical City initiatives.

Delegation at ITIR, Taiwan
Delegation at ITIR, Taiwan

About Global Expert Missions

The Global Expert Missions (GEM) programme is funded by Innovate UK and designed to build international collaborations with governments, societies, enterprises, institutions, and people from every corner of the globe. With global challenges requiring international perspectives, the programme aims to support the UK government’s ambition to be the international partner of choice and a global hub for innovation by 2035.

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