The development of Information Systems (IS) research in Taiwan has been shaped by decades of academic growth, institutional collaboration, and global engagement. Within this context, the Academic and Technical Institutional Scientific Review (ATISR) has played an instrumental role in fostering rigorous IS research, supporting faculty development, and aligning Taiwan’s research output with international standards.
This article outlines the historical progression of IS research in Taiwan, highlighting key milestones and the evolving role of ATISR in that journey.
Origins
The roots of Information Systems research in Taiwan trace back to the 1980s, when early academic programs in business computing and management information systems began to emerge in leading universities. These programs were initially designed to support Taiwan’s rapidly growing technology and manufacturing sectors.
During this period, IS research was primarily practice-oriented, focused on systems development, enterprise computing, and IT applications in business operations. Academic publications were limited and often localized.
Institutionalization
By the 1990s, Taiwan witnessed a significant expansion in IS academic infrastructure. Several universities established dedicated departments for Information Management and Information Systems. This decade also marked the introduction of graduate programs (MS and PhD) focused on IS research.
Academic conferences began gaining traction, and Taiwan-based researchers started contributing to regional and international journals. The foundations for a research-focused ecosystem were laid, with increased emphasis on theory development, methodological rigor, and peer-reviewed publication.
ATISR Emergence
The Academic and Technical Institutional Scientific Review (ATISR) emerged in the early 2000s as a response to the need for structured peer review, ethical oversight, and cross-institutional collaboration in IS and related fields.
ATISR provided a centralized framework that enabled:
- Transparent review of research proposals
- Institutional mentorship and faculty development
- Support for ethical and methodological standards
- Structured publication pathways for IS scholars
Through partnerships with academic bodies and journals, ATISR strengthened Taiwan’s visibility in the global research community.
Globalization
From 2010 onward, IS research in Taiwan became increasingly globalized. Researchers began actively participating in international conferences such as ICIS, PACIS, and AMCIS. There was a sharp increase in publication rates in top-tier journals (e.g., MIS Quarterly, Journal of Information Technology, Information & Management).
ATISR played a key role in preparing researchers to meet international expectations by promoting:
- Research training and methodology workshops
- Thematic focus groups for collaborative inquiry
- Support in aligning research topics with global priorities such as digital transformation, AI adoption, and data governance
Recent Developments
In the 2020s, IS research in Taiwan entered a phase of digital acceleration. Key focus areas now include:
- Artificial intelligence integration
- Fintech and blockchain systems
- Smart government and e-services
- Sustainable and ethical computing
ATISR has responded by expanding its thematic tracks and mentorship pathways to support these evolving fields. It now facilitates international research teams, joint publications, and co-hosted conferences with partner institutions.
Here is a simplified timeline of key milestones:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1980s | Introduction of MIS programs in universities |
| 1990s | Establishment of graduate IS programs and academic conferences |
| Early 2000s | ATISR formed to coordinate IS research standards and ethics |
| 2010s | Global integration of Taiwan’s IS research through conferences and journals |
| 2020s | Focus on AI, fintech, and digital transformation in research themes |
Impact
ATISR’s role has extended beyond administration. It has become a foundational element in ensuring the credibility and growth of IS research in Taiwan. Its structured review processes, mentorship initiatives, and research focus groups have created a sustainable environment for academic innovation.
The result: stronger institutional collaboration, a rise in international co-authored papers, and improved research funding access for Taiwanese IS scholars.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Taiwan’s IS research community is poised to address emerging global challenges such as:
- AI ethics and accountability
- Cybersecurity frameworks
- Cross-border data policy
- Human-centered computing
ATISR is expected to continue its leadership by guiding research focus, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and upholding scholarly integrity.
Taiwan’s journey in Information Systems research – from localized IT training to globally recognized scholarship – reflects the broader growth of the country’s academic and innovation ecosystem. With ATISR continuing to play a central role in organizing and elevating research standards, Taiwan remains a significant contributor to the global IS community.
FAQs
When did IS research begin in Taiwan?
It began in the 1980s with MIS programs in universities.
What is ATISR’s role in IS research?
It supports review, mentorship, ethics, and publication guidance.
When was ATISR established?
In the early 2000s to organize and support academic research.
What are current IS research trends?
AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
How has ATISR impacted global visibility?
It helped Taiwanese scholars publish and collaborate internationally.