Dr. Pei-Zen Chang Takes the Helm as President of ITRI, Paving the Way for Innovation

Dr. Pei-Zen Chang Appointed as President of ITRI

The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has recently announced the appointment of Dr. Pei-Zen Chang as its new president. This decision marks a significant development in the leadership of the institute, which plays a crucial role in driving Taiwan's technological innovation and industrial transformation.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Chang highlighted the essential role of innovation in propelling the industrial growth of Taiwan. Acknowledging the rapid technological advancements and ongoing global shifts, he emphasized that ITRI will remain committed to being the government’s trusted think tank and a key partner for industries seeking technological solutions and advancements.

Dr. Chang's vision for ITRI focuses on three main priorities:
1. Empowering Talent: He aims to foster talent development through collaboration across various institutions and disciplines, which will facilitate advancements in cutting-edge technologies. This approach seeks to create a robust ecosystem that nurtures skills and knowledge among engineers, researchers, and industry experts.
2. Accelerating Industrial Transformation: Dr. Chang intends to speed up the transformation of both high-tech and traditional industries. Through strategic initiatives and innovation-driven projects, he plans to overhaul existing practices, making them more efficient and competitive on a global scale.
3. Strengthening International Engagement: He recognizes the importance of connecting Taiwan with global partners to enhance innovation leadership. By promoting international collaboration, Dr. Chang believes that ITRI can better position Taiwan as a leader in technological advancements on the world stage.

Dr. Chang boasts an impressive academic background, having earned his Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Cornell University and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from National Taiwan University (NTU). His extensive expertise in technology policy and research and development management has seen him occupy numerous influential roles, such as Deputy Executive Secretary of the Executive Yuan's Science and Technology Group and Chairman of the Nanotechnology and Micro System Association. His diverse experience includes being the Executive Vice President of ITRI and Dean of the D-School at NTU, with research interests that span mechatronic systems, industrial sensing, and digital technologies.

ITRI, established in 1973, has established itself as one of the leading research and development institutes globally. Its evolution has been pivotal in transforming Taiwan's economy from a labor-intensive structure to one driven by innovation. The institute is recognized for its forward-thinking initiatives, including the recently launched 2035 Technology Strategy and Roadmap, which focuses on crucial sectors such as Smart Living, Quality Health, Sustainable Environment, and Resilient Society.

Over the years, ITRI has successfully incubated numerous startups and spinoffs, among them, well-known entities like UMC and TSMC, which have made significant contributions to the semiconductor industry. In addition to its headquarters in Taiwan, ITRI operates branch offices in various countries including the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Japan, and Thailand. This global footprint enhances its research and development capabilities and promotes international collaboration in technology.

For more information about ITRI and its initiatives under the new leadership of Dr. Chang, you can visit their official website at ITRI Official Site.