The Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET) participated in the AI+ Expo for National Competitiveness, hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) in Washington, D.C. on May 6, and was invited to join the live program President’s Tech Brief.
This segment served as a featured extension of Day 2 of the 2026 AI+ Expo, presented in a live, broadcast-style format combining real-time discussions, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights. The program showcased how U.S. policymakers and technology leaders are approaching the development of critical technologies—including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, energy, and robotics—and their implications for national security and global competition. Taiwan’s Ambassador-at-Large Audrey Tang was also among the featured speakers.
DSET was represented by Director Dr. Wen-Ling Tu and CEO Dr. Jeremy Chang, who shared Taiwan’s perspectives during the live discussion.
Dr. Chang highlighted Taiwan’s strategic role from both industrial and geopolitical perspectives. He emphasized that Taiwan is not only a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, but also a critical center for hardware production. In the context of U.S.-China technological competition, Chang noted that while the United States leads in innovation, China holds advantages in scaling and technology diffusion.
Dr. Chang further stated that Taiwan can serve as a key partner in advancing U.S. reindustrialization, underscoring that software innovation ultimately depends on hardware production capabilities—an area where Taiwan maintains a distinct advantage. He also pointed out that Taiwan operates on the frontlines of geopolitical competition, facing persistent gray zone activities from China. Dr. Chang emphasized that one of DSET’s core missions is to amplify Taiwan’s voice within the international policy community by sharing its research and frontline experience with global partners.
Dr. Tu focused her remarks on supply chain resilience and whole-of-society defense. She noted that DSET’s research examines how democratic societies can strengthen supply chain resilience across critical sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and energy—particularly in areas such as critical minerals and battery supply chains.
Dr. Tu further emphasized that Taiwan sits at the center of “techno-geopolitics,” offering unique frontline insights into cybersecurity and supply chain security. She also highlighted her role in Taiwan’s Presidential Office Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, which addresses hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and disinformation. She stressed that defense should not be viewed solely as a military issue, but as a comprehensive societal effort to safeguard democratic institutions and economic resilience.
