BUT has strengthened cooperation with Taiwanese universities by signing two memoranda

As part of deepening international cooperation, representatives from 12 Taiwanese universities forming the UAAT (University Academic Alliance in Taiwan) visited Brno University of Technology (BUT) on Friday, November 8. The delegation included 33 members. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between BUT, National Sun Yat-sen University, and National Taipei University of Technology, focusing on education, research, and the mobility of students and faculty. Friday’s visit strengthened existing cooperation, with a focus on semiconductor technologies, an area where Taiwanese universities, research organizations, and companies are global leaders.

At the BUT Rectorate, the delegation was welcomed by Vice-Rector for Internationalization and External Affairs Iveta Šimberová, who highlighted previous collaborations between BUT and Taiwanese universities. “We have signed eight cooperation memoranda, which will be joined by two more today. This gives us space to discuss specific opportunities for collaboration, exchange programs for students and staff, and to prepare additional educational, research, and innovation projects.” She continued, “Brno University of Technology is the second largest university in Brno and one of the oldest universities in the Czech Republic. Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, often called the Silicon Valley of Europe. BUT is an international, research-oriented, sustainable, and digital university, and we are especially proud of our good relations and cooperation with universities around the world. Our partners are not only from Europe but also from the USA and Taiwan.”

If Brno is Europe’s Silicon Valley, then BUT is its center. Brno University of Technology is an essential part of the semiconductor value chain and coordinates the preparation of the National Competence Center for Semiconductors and Chips, which aims to support the “Chips for Europe” initiative and join the emerging network of European competence centers. The discussion, following a formal introduction of the universities and members of the delegation, was focused primarily on strengthening mutual cooperation in the field of semiconductor technologies.

The production of chips, one of the most complex industrial sectors, has dominated Taiwan’s economy since the 1980s when the country shifted its focus to innovation. The significance of Taiwanese chips became evident during the pandemic when disruptions in semiconductor supplies impacted global industries. The European Union responded to the crisis with the European Chips Act, aimed at strengthening Europe’s resilience in this field. In recent years, discussions between European and Taiwanese partners have intensified – Europe wants to bolster its semiconductor industry, while Taiwan has the expertise but needs thousands of specialists worldwide.

Following the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding between Brno University of Technology and National Sun Yat-sen University and National Taipei University of Technology, the group moved to the Technology Park, which is owned by BUT. The Technology Park has a strategic location and offers ideal opportunities for developing activities. Direct cooperation with colleagues from Taiwan was also established by individual BUT faculties. The delegation visited the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, and the Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC). Later, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, the Taiwanese University Fair took place at the Faculty of Business, where collaboration opportunities in mobility, science, research, and scholarships were presented.