Taiwan science parks make record revenue of NT$4.26 trillion in 2022

Taipei, March 13 (CNA) Taiwan's three science parks posted revenue of NT$4.26 trillion (US$46.35 billion) in 2022, a 14.75 percent year on year increase and all-time high, National Science and Technology Council chief Wu Tsung-tsong said.

Revenue from companies operating in Hsinchu Science Park hit NT$1.61 trillion last year, up by 1.59 percent from 2021, while Central Taiwan Science Park and Southern Taiwan Science Park recorded NT$1.17 trillion and NT$1.48 trillion, growing by 13 percent and 35.48 percent year on year, respectively, Wu said at a news conference.

Integrated circuits were the number one driving force at the science parks, rising 22.62 percent to NT$3.325 trillion last year, accounting for 77 percent of total revenue.

In addition, revenue from computers and peripherals soared by more than 30 percent, while the telecommunication industry saw a jump of 25.21 percent in revenue, council data indicated.

However, revenue from the photoelectric industry declined by 24.89 percent last year, with the council attributing the drop to falling prices caused by lower demand for display panels and a higher comparison base in 2021 thanks to strong demand from the domestic economy in 2020 and 2021 during the peak of COVID-19.

Looking to 2023, the three science parks must work hard to stay competitive, due to uncertainties arising from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, soaring inflation and the technology war between the United States and China, Wu said.