Former Economic Minister Guo Zhihui. (File photo)
[Financial Channel/Comprehensive Report] Taipei Mayor Chiang Wanan proposed the political idea of relocating Songshan Airport to build Taipei AI Park yesterday (9th). In response, former Economic Minister Kuo Chi-hui questioned: "Does Taiwan really need to add another AI industrial park in the center of Taipei?" He said that any park planning must first answer at least three questions: What is the industry positioning? Can transportation and life be afforded? Can a real industrial cluster be formed? Kuo Zhihui further emphasized that what Taiwan needs is not just more AI parks, but a national strategy to allow AI technology to flourish everywhere and drive industrial upgrading in various regions.
Guo Zhihui said that the recent relocation of Songshan Airport and the concept of planning the original site into an AI industrial park have triggered discussions from all walks of life. He believes that urban development should encourage innovation, but major public policies cannot only be visionary, but must also undergo complete industrial demonstration, transportation and energy assessment, and financial cost-benefit analysis. Therefore, what is really worth thinking about is not how much land Songshan Airport can free up, but: Does Taiwan really need to add another AI industrial park in the center of Taipei?
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Guo Zhihui said that when Taiwan develops AI, should it continue to concentrate talents, funds and public construction in Taipei? And he believes that what is more important is to make good use of the existing advantages of various places and establish a national industrial network.
Guo Zhihui gave an example. Taipei can strengthen international R&D, corporate headquarters, finance and business functions; Taozhumiao leverages its advantages in semiconductors, advanced processes and technology research and development; the central part combines precision machinery, machine tools and smart manufacturing; and the southern part focuses on semiconductors, green energy, smart manufacturing and AI applications. Allowing each region to display its strengths and connect with each other is a more competitive layout.
Guo Zhihui further pointed out that we must also re-understand AI. AI is not only an emerging industry, but also a general technology that can change all industries. From factories, hospitals, shops to farms, the value of AI lies in helping companies reduce costs, increase efficiency, improve quality, and drive overall industrial upgrading. Therefore, the AI park cannot just build office buildings and recruit technology companies, but must also have a complete ecosystem such as hardware support, software research and development, field verification, industrial applications and international markets.
Guo Zhihui emphasized that any park planning must first answer at least three questions: First, what is the industrial positioning? Do you want to attract R&D headquarters, data centers, server supply chains, or AI application companies?
Second, can the transportation and life be affordable? The area around Songshan Airport is already a highly developed area. If a large number of jobs are added, will transportation, housing, energy and public facilities be enough to support it?
Third, can a real industrial cluster be formed? Enterprises value not only land and taxes, but also talents, supply chains, partners and market opportunities.
Taiwan has limited land, energy, human resources and public construction resources, so every major development must consider the opportunity cost. If the same resources can create wider benefits if they are used to strengthen existing industrial clusters, improve regional transportation, build smart grids, or assist small and medium-sized enterprises to introduce AI, the government should make careful comparisons.
Guo Zhihui said that he is not opposed to discussions on the future land use of Songshan Airport, but before proposing relocation and development concepts, a complete demand analysis, transportation energy carrying capacity, financial benefits and alternative plans should be disclosed.
Kuo Zhihui said that a good industrial policy is not to concentrate all emerging industries in the same place, but to allow the most suitable industries to develop in the most suitable places. He also emphasized that Taiwan needs not just more AI parks, but a national strategy to allow AI technology to bloom everywhere and drive industrial upgrading in various places.
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