There is a concept in management studies called “group dynamics.” It refers to the life cycle of group development, from “forming” and “storming” to “norming” and “performing.” Taiwan enterprises, faced with dramatic changes in the global operating environment, have to tackle urgent tasks of industrial upgrading, structural transformation and management for the new century. In today’s unpredictable world, Taiwan is home to some enterprises which, though not household names, nonetheless play an indispensable role as genuine “hidden champions.”
Among these firms, there is one with a product range of over 100,000 abrasive wheels and other machining tools, and another that makes micro-geared motors and servomotors that drive important devices like emergency bone drills used by the US military and door locks on Tesla electric cars. Still another, which started out making resin materials, has developed a dry-film photoresist product with the largest market share in the world. And there is also one whose ecofriendly polyolefin foams rank third in global market share. Our cover story this month explores the stories behind these hidden champions and tells how they have “formed” cohesive teams, “stormed” boundless possibilities, and “performed” with a level of skill that is crucial for bringing innovation to fruition.
In the transformation of local businesses, it is important to take existing elements and give them a new look. Hsinchu has long been known as a high-tech city, with two elite universities known for science and engineering and the Hsinchu Science Park. But its cultural scene has often been criticized. We look at how Ben Chen, former CEO of industrial equipment supplier Moxa, is trying to overturn the stereotype of Hsinchu as a cultural desert by opening a bookstore and investing in cultural and creative enterprises. Elsewhere, the renovation of old houses in Lukang and the community-oriented approach of the Chiayi Art Museum (CAM) offer more examples of the efforts people around Taiwan are making on behalf of this land.
This idea of working for the greater good is also exhibited by Made Carving, which transforms waste materials into beautiful objects; essential oils maker Blueseeds, which prides itself on additive-free products from natural farming; and dancer Ku Ming-shen, founder of the “i·dance Taipei” improvisational dance festival. Positive ideas like these are shaping Taiwan’s unique cultural landscape. As CAM director Nicole Lai wonders: “When this city has a museum, how will it be able to inject a variety of different energies into the locality? How can it drive the aesthetics of the city?” Taiwan’s cultural landscape is waiting for you too to contribute your thoughts and creativity!
