Taipei, April 16 (CNA) The Industrial Technology Research Institute's (ITRI) new president Edwin Liu took office Monday, vowing to lead the institute in continuing to maximize its advantages in multidisciplinary innovative R&D.
Speaking after assuming his new post which was left vacant by his predecessor Liu Jonq-min Feb. 15, Liu said that ITRI's R&D work should be market-oriented and that he will adopt "Blue Ocean Strategies."
The ITRI will adopt the PEST analysis framework, taking political, economic, socio-cultural and technological factors into consideration, he noted, adding that his institute will also serve as an effective bridge between the academia and industry as well as between Taiwan's R&D and international research communities.
Besides, he said, the ITRI needs to strengthen the role of its overseas offices.
Founded in 1973 as a nonprofit R&D organization engaging in applied research and technical services, the ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan's economy from a labor-intensive industry to a high-tech industry. It now focuses on the fields of smart living, quality health, and sustainable environment.
In addition to its headquarters in Taiwan, ITRI has branch offices in the U.S., Europe, and Japan in an effort to extend its R&D scope and promote opportunities for international cooperation around the world.
Obtaining the Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley, in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, Edwin Liu is an energy domain expert, having practical experience in big data analytics and artificial intelligence research as well as application development, along with a strong background in startups, R&D, and business strategy.
Before joining ITRI, he was the senior vice president of smart grid & grid management at Nexant, Inc., where he was responsible for initiatives in advanced grid management solutions and strategies.
