As Osceola County’s NeoCity is poised to become a leader in semiconductor innovation, the Orlando regional coalition is learning from the successes of Asia’s tech giants and gaining valuable insights into bolstering the region’s semiconductor industry.
Building a world-class technology hub requires a strategic and collaborative approach. A recent visit by the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) to Taiwan’s Hsinchu Science Park (HSP) offered valuable insights for replicating its success in Osceola County’s NeoCity. Here are the top takeaways from HSP’s model:
1. Alignment among key players is critical
More than a decade ago, Osceola County made the bold move to build a semiconductor advanced manufacturing cluster – what is today known as NeoCity. With the backing of half a billion dollars of federal funding, state investments, and local support from Osceola County, the community’s vision is now coming to life with NeoCity at the forefront of future semiconductor innovation in the U.S.
Like HSP, arguably the most successful science park in the world, NeoCity’s strength lies in the synergy between government, industry, and academia. Orlando’s regional coalition includes Osceola County government, industry leaders like imec and Skywater Technology, and academic institutions like the University of Central Florida and NeoCity Academy. The regional coalition mirrors the model seen in Taiwan, which includes the Taiwanese government, industry leaders like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), and the two universities located on HSP’s campus.
HSP spans over 3,600 acres (about a third of the area of the Orlando International Airport) and is in northwestern Taiwan. Established in 1980, HSP now employs more than 176,000 employees. It was formed when Taiwan’s government and business leaders made the daring decision to create a science park specializing in the manufacturing, research and development of high-tech industries. The industrial park in HSP includes 620 companies and serves almost all of the world’s tech giants, including Apple, Google, and Nvidia.
NeoCity’s master plan is like HSP. It features neighborhood parks, a greenway, and a City Center. While HSP is a massive industrial park, it does not look like one. Imagine a bustling, modern city dedicated to technology and innovation. The infrastructure is state-of-the-art, with advanced laboratories, office buildings, and manufacturing facilities. The science park seamlessly blends with the urban environment, featuring greenspaces, parks, trails, housing, shops, and stores all within walking distance, creating a vibrant community for all who work and live there. With room to grow, NeoCity could one day include the same types of features that make HSP an enjoyable and productive place to work and play.
HSP also serves residents with education options from preschool through university and doctorates. The science park is anchored by two of Taiwan’s top universities, National Tsing Hua University and National Yang Ming Chio Tung University, providing opportunities for students to work with industry leaders while also creating a steady talent pipeline and producing a high-quality workforce.
2. Long-term federal government support is necessary
As the Orlando region moves forward to becoming a leader in semiconductor innovation, we must continue fostering relationships with our federal partners to support our efforts in collaboration with private industry.
Even though it is one of the most successful science parks in the world, HSP still receives significant government support. The government funds a staff of 200 professionals to manage HSP, which is responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of the park as well as collecting management fees from the numerous tenants within the science park. This creates a steady stream of revenue, contributing to the park’s financial stability and sustainability.
The sustained focus and financial support from the Taiwanese government has been crucial, even as the park achieved significant milestones. This long-term commitment taught the regional coalition a critical lesson: building and maintaining a world-class technology hub requires ongoing effort and investment, underscoring the necessity of unwavering federal support.
3. NeoCity is on the right path
The Orlando region’s vision for NeoCity aligns with HSP’s achievements. The science park has been a cornerstone of Taiwan’s transformation into a technological powerhouse. It has significantly contributed to the country’s economic growth while also providing high-quality jobs. As a global R&D center, HSP has positioned Taiwan as a key player in the semiconductor industry.
NeoCity has the potential to transform Osceola County and the Orlando region into a hub for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, creating high-quality jobs and propelling economic growth. The focus on a holistic approach, integrating housing, schools, and green spaces, mirrors HSP’s creation of a vibrant community for its residents.
While these ambitious goals will take time, it was reaffirming to see HSP’s success and imagine what NeoCity could be 20 years from now. This mission trip validated that we are building upon the foundational pieces needed to bolster our region’s semiconductor industry. And while it is a long road, we are on the right path.