#ITRI #Germany #Berlin #technology cooperation #Taiwan Europe

Celebrating 30 Years of ITRI Europe Office

On June 12, 2026, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) proudly celebrated the 30th anniversary of its ITRI Europe office during a technology forum held in Berlin. This significant event brought together leading European research and development organizations, including the renowned Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the European Association of Research and Technology Organizations (EARTO), and Technische Universität Braunschweig (TU Braunschweig).

A Legacy of Innovation

Established in Germany in 1996, the ITRI Europe Office was created to strengthen Taiwan's industrial transformation and innovation capabilities. Since its inception, the office has played a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration between Taiwan and Europe, contributing to over 20 "Horizon Europe" programs and establishing partnerships across 14 European countries, including Germany, the UK, France, and Spain. As a result, nearly 100 collaborative research and development projects have been successfully implemented.

Remarks from ITRI Leadership

“This 30-year milestone reflects deepening technological cooperation between Taiwan and Europe and showcases ITRI’s evolution from a technology scout to a strategic partner within the European innovation ecosystem,” stated Tsung-Tsong Wu, the President of ITRI. He emphasized that successful technological collaboration depends not only on technical expertise but also on a foundation of mutual trust built over time. ITRI has maintained a strong working relationship with Fraunhofer since 1992, underscoring the success of their longstanding agreement, which has recently been renewed for another five years.

This renewal builds on joint efforts in health, information and communication technologies, and green energy, while opening avenues for further collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

Johann Feckl, Director of Pre-Competitive Research and International Affairs, highlighted, “The long-standing partnership between Fraunhofer and ITRI perfectly illustrates how trust, continuity, and shared commitment to future success can create a lasting impact.” He also noted that in applied research, international relationships are crucial for swiftly identifying technological advancements and transforming them into impactful innovations.

Expanding Technological Ties

As part of its broader commitment to the European technology and industrial sectors, ITRI organized the “ITRI UK Tech Day” to celebrate the first anniversary of its UK office. Furthermore, the institute is enhancing its partnership with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) on semiconductor technologies, AI, and other related fields.

In alignment with the EU's research and development priorities focusing on carbon neutrality, biomedicine, digital innovation, and space, ITRI is set to continue strengthening technology ties between Taiwan and Europe through its offices in Berlin and London. ITRI aims to cultivate collaborative relationships with partners in France, the Netherlands, and Central and Eastern Europe in emerging fields such as drone technology.

Looking Ahead

Using its comprehensive network spanning the industrial sector, government entities, academia, research institutes, and startups, ITRI is dedicated to accelerating technological exchanges, promoting political dialogue, and fostering cross-sector innovation. This commitment positions Taiwan as a key player in the global industrial transformation landscape. The efforts established over the past 30 years are not just a celebration of past achievements but a glimpse into the future of continued collaboration and innovation.

As we look ahead, ITRI remains steadfast in its strategy to leverage international cooperation to enhance technological capabilities and drive impactful change across industries, forging a path for future innovations that define the world of technology.