Our Taskforces
The Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology (DSET) is a newly established think tank under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of Taiwan R.O.C. since October 2023. It aims to serve as the leading national think tank in Taiwan with a future-oriented vision of science and technology policies that infuse and safeguard democratic values. Through cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and collaboration, We are committed to bringing the lenses of social sciences and humanities to deepen a more well-rounded understanding of new and critical technology and science. Core issues such as governance, social impact, and the growth of democracy are at the heart of DSET’s work.
At present, the NSTC-DSET has the following six taskforces.
Democratic Governance
The Democratic Governance Research Unit investigates the impact of critical technologies on democratic process and integrity, both in Taiwan and globally. Our key focus areas include artificial intelligence, information manipulation, and supply chain resilience. We explore their integration within democratic frameworks, emphasizing Taiwan’s unique position within geopolitical contexts and its role in navigating the complex dynamics of global technological freedom. Our objective is to provoke critical reflection on maintaining democratic practices amid the rapid changes of technological development and international order.
Vice President
Adjunct Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Non-resident Senior Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Research Fellow
Advisor
Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Consultant
Consultant
Consultant
Consultant
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
The importance of the Net-Zero transition is not only to assess whether the goal will be achieved by the end of 2050 but also whether the technology and social engineering in the transition process can help mitigate and adapt to the social, economic, and environmental impacts of climate change. Our research, which comprehensively assesses the readiness of relevant policies, infrastructure, and regulations, including the science and policy implementation of climate change response and adaptation, climate science and policy diplomacy, climate change challenges to energy security and infrastructure, the continuity and transformation of high-carbon emitting users, and the geopolitics of developing strategic energy sources and net-zero technologies, etc., provides a robust foundation for future action. Based on Taiwan’s experience, we will also actively explore how to enhance cooperation between Taiwan and other countries on various sustainability issues.
President
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Research Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Consultant
Economic Security
The Economic Security Research Program in technological geopolitics focuses on Taiwan’s economic security reforms and the emerging challenges of international multilateral cooperation. Taiwan’s robust advanced wafer manufacturing capabilities form a critical foundation for maintaining order and security among techno-democracies.
As global technological advancements accelerate—whether in the pursuit of AI performance breakthroughs or the development of quantum computing—Taiwan’s semiconductor industry remains a key driving force. However, Taiwan faces comprehensive threats from China, which seeks to establish technological hegemony. In response, Taiwan’s institutional reforms to safeguard national security and interests are not only crucial to its own survival but also closely tied to the interests of the international community.
At the same time, the long-term trend of global supply chain restructuring raises pressing questions about Taiwan’s strategic positioning. How should Taiwan adapt to these shifts and collaborate with allies to consolidate shared economic and security interests? These considerations are central to Taiwan’s economic security strategy.
Through policy reports and expert analysis, this research examines economic security issues in the era of technological geopolitics, fostering a platform for discussion and offering unique perspectives for Taiwan and global policymakers. In doing so, it aims to shape international consensus and drive policy actions.
President
Vice President
Research Fellow & Chief Executive Officer
Non-resident Senior Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Consultant
Consultant
National Security
National Security and Dual-use Technology (NSDT) at DSET focuses on cutting-edge national security research, with a unique emphasis on technology geopolitics. Different from other security think tanks, NSDT explores anti-red supply chain strategies, dual-use technology, and supply chain resilience through this lens. NSDT’s approach not only addresses Taiwan’s national security challenges but also fosters connections with international partners sharing similar democratic values. By leveraging interdisciplinary expertise, NSDT provides data-driven insights on emerging technologies like dual-use drones and LEO satellite communications, ensuring that Taiwan and its allies can strategically navigate the evolving technology geopolitical landscape.
Vice President
Adjunct Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Consultant