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.
AI Taskforce
The AI Taskforce is engaged in deepening interdisciplinary research that bridges the humanities and social sciences with AI technology. Our fundamental mission is to explore how AI can fortify the resilience of Taiwan’s democracy and promote the overall well-being of our citizens and society. We are committed to advancing AI technology development within an ethical framework to mitigate social inequalities, as well as making inclusive and just national AI policies. Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, we strive to forge a future where technological progress and democratic values coexist harmoniously.
Research Fellow & Deputy Director
Research Fellow & Chief Executive Officer
Adjunct Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Non-resident Senior Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Cybersecurity Taskforce
The Cybersecurity Taskforce delves deeply into information security issues from the humanities and social science perspectives. It underscores civil society’s crucial role in shaping internet policy and preserving cyberspace freedom, with a focus on bolstering societal awareness and encouraging civic engagement to advance cybersecurity and privacy. Believing that an intricate understanding of social structures, cultural values, and political dynamics can more effectively address the challenges of the digital era, the group advocates for the democratization of cyberspace and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Research Fellow & Deputy Director
Research Fellow & Chief Executive Officer
Adjunct Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Net-zero Taskforce
Net-zero Taskforce is dedicated to advancing in-depth research that integrates net-zero technologies, issues of democratic participation, and international geopolitics. Net-zero technology is a crucial enabler of environmental sustainability, and our research focus lies on innovative trends within net-zero technology to address global climate change and energy issues. Concurrently, we actively explore how technological developments intersect with democratic values and international politics.
Research Fellow & Director
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Semiconductor Taskforce
Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chain is the most critical pillar supporting the island nation’s economic development and the most important bargaining chip for Taiwan to maintain its economic prosperity and national security in the geopolitical era. DSET’s Semiconductor Taskforce aims to propose Taiwan’s overall semiconductor industry strategy and overall national strategy for economic security in the era of technological geopolitics. It analyzes and reviews the trends of the semiconductor industry’s technological development, policies of the semiconductor industry worldwide, and global technological regulations.
Research Fellow & Deputy Director
Research Fellow & Chief Executive Officer
Research Fellow
Non-resident Senior Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Consultant
National Defense Taskforce
The National Defense Taskforce focuses on research in the field of national defense, and we are committed to enhancing understanding of key national defense technology issues through the most advanced policy research. As a critical component of the national security framework, our team emphasizes providing data-based insights to policymakers. Currently, our research topics are focused on dual-use drones, low Earth orbit satellite communications, and more. Leveraging the advantages of interdisciplinary expertise, we aim to provide the necessary knowledge for addressing challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the continuous evolution of emerging technologies, with a special focus on geopolitics and cross-domain cooperation.
Research Fellow & Deputy Director
Adjunct Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Adjunct Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow
Quantum Taskforce
The field of quantum technologies is one of the thematic areas of critical and cutting-edge technology at NSTC-DSET. Not only because it is revolutionary with futuristic potential, it is also a key area of global interest and competition.
The Quantum Taskforce builds on DSET’s core values, perspectives, and social and humanistic lenses to analyze national and global policies and future directions. Such as how to effectively allocate resources to incubate or support scientific research, talent pool, as well as industrial development and ecosystem to collaborate or compete with global counterparts. At the same time, establishing governance mechanisms to mitigate social impacts or security challenges arising from revolutionary technologies. Key areas of focus include national security and the R&D of critical technologies.
Research Fellow
Non-Resident Fellow