nternational collaboration data gathering for SDG
Sustainable Development Goals
Content
NTHU International Collaboration on SDG Data Collection and Measurement
THE Impact Rankings 17.2.3 — International Collaboration Data Gathering for SDGs
1. Institutional Commitment to International SDG Data Collaboration
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) promotes international collaboration on data collection, measurement, and research related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through international research partnerships, industry–academia collaboration, sustainability assessment frameworks, and academic information networks, NTHU contributes to research on biomedical technologies, green buildings, sustainable manufacturing, environmental monitoring, and institutional sustainability.
The university brings together expertise in engineering, environmental science, education, technology law, and sustainability governance to improve the collection, analysis, and exchange of research findings and sustainability information.
NTHU's activities encompass three complementary approaches: international collaborative research generating empirical and technical data; exchanges of existing findings and research methods; and institutional reporting based on international sustainability assessment frameworks.
The university recognizes that collaborative measurement, research exchange, and international reporting represent different levels of international data engagement. These activities are therefore presented separately.
2. Taiwan–Sweden Collaborative Research on Biosensing Technologies
2.1 Five-year International Research Collaboration
NTHU's Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems (iNEMS) maintains research partnerships with academic institutions in Sweden, Japan, the United States, Germany, Israel, Norway, Finland, France, Belgium, and other countries.
A major example is the five-year Sweden–Taiwan Collaborative Research Framework Project, involving research cooperation with KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden.
The collaboration focuses on micro/nano engineering and advanced biosensing technologies, connecting research expertise across national institutions.
2.2 CMOS-integrated Nanopore Sensors and Experimental Research
The project includes the development of scalable CMOS-integrated nanopore biosensors for biomolecular detection.
Research activities involve the design and development of high-speed, multichannel readout circuits and related sensor technologies.
Through joint technical research and experimental analysis, the participating teams contribute to the generation and exchange of engineering data and research experience.
The technologies have potential applications in biomedical sensing and advanced research systems, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Direct documentation of jointly collected datasets, measurement responsibilities, and SDG-related research outcomes would strengthen the evidence for this indicator.
Supporting Evidence
Source: NTHU Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems, institutional submission on Taiwan–Sweden research collaboration.
Recommended documentation: Joint project approval, collaborative publications, sensor measurement records, and research reports identifying participating institutions.
A direct public link to the specific joint research output has not yet been confirmed.
3. Japan–Taiwan Research Collaboration on Sustainable Chemical Processing
3.1 DAICEL–NTHU Joint Research and Development Center
NTHU's Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems and Japan's DAICEL established the DAICEL–NTHU Joint Research and Development Center (JRDC).
The center conducts research on microfluidic chemical processing, reaction systems, engineering design, and next-generation chemical manufacturing technologies.
The partnership provides an institutional framework for continuing international research and technical cooperation.
Its research addresses opportunities to improve chemical process control, manufacturing efficiency, and sustainability.
3.2 Experimental Validation and Microfluidic Research Data
According to the College of Engineering's submission, the JRDC undertakes research and validation concerning microfluidic chemical processing and large-scale serial-parallel microfluidic devices.
These activities involve engineering development, technical testing, and analysis of research findings relevant to advanced manufacturing.
The collaboration contributes to research knowledge associated with SDG 9, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17.
Direct evidence identifying jointly produced experimental datasets, measured sustainability outcomes, and data-sharing procedures would further substantiate international SDG measurement.
3.3 International Research Exchange in 2026
In 2026, NTHU and its partners organized the International Symposium on Microfluidic Chemical Processing & Technology.
The symposium brought together researchers from academia and industry to exchange technical findings and experience concerning industrial implementation.
This event complemented the ongoing collaborative research programme and provided opportunities for comparing experimental methods and applications.
Supporting Evidence
Source: NTHU College of Engineering and Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems departmental submissions.
Recommended documentation: JRDC cooperation agreement, joint research publications, experimental results, technical validation reports, and the 2026 symposium programme.
Specific joint datasets and sustainability measurements have not yet been independently documented in the provided materials.
4. Quantitative Research on Green Buildings and Urban Sustainability
4.1 Collection of Empirical Stakeholder Data
NTHU's College of Education conducted cross-regional empirical research examining factors associated with green building development and sustainable urban growth.
The research focused on policy drivers, market demand, technological progress, and economic considerations relevant to the development of green buildings.
The research team collected 403 valid stakeholder responses, including perspectives from policymakers, industry professionals, and market participants.
These data were used to examine sustainability-related relationships relevant to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
4.2 Quantitative Modeling and Research Findings
The team used SPSS and AMOS to conduct Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).
According to the college's reported findings, the estimated path coefficients were:
Research FactorReported Path CoefficientPolicy driversApproximately 0.56Market demandApproximately 0.55Technological progressApproximately 0.49Economic benefitsApproximately 0.38
The analysis identified eight specific sub-factors, including streamlined administrative approval procedures and stronger regulatory measures.
The researchers subsequently developed nine evidence-informed strategies for advancing green building practices.
The study demonstrates the use of empirical stakeholder data and quantitative analysis to examine factors relevant to sustainable urban development.
4.3 Verification of International Research Participation
Although the college describes the project as cross-regional or international research, the submitted information does not specify the countries involved, the geographic distribution of the 403 responses, or the international partners' roles in data collection and analysis.
Accordingly, the quantitative findings represent reported empirical research outcomes, while their classification as completed international joint SDG data collection remains subject to verification.
Supporting Evidence
Source: NTHU College of Education departmental research submission.
Recommended documentation: Published research paper, sample distribution by country, international co-researcher affiliations, research methodology, and quantitative model results.
A verified public publication or dataset link has not yet been provided.
5. International Exchange of Environmental Monitoring Data in 2025
5.1 NTHU–Kumamoto Environmental Research Exchange
On March 25, 2025, representatives and environmental organizations from Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture visited Hsinchu for discussions with NTHU's Touqian River research team and local environmental partners.
The exchange addressed semiconductor development, water resources, pollution monitoring, and community concerns.
NTHU researchers presented findings concerning sediment contamination, heavy metals, and cellular toxicity in the Touqian and Keya River watersheds.
The meeting provided an opportunity to share environmental research evidence and compare approaches to investigating technology-related environmental risks.
The discussions also explored how scientific information could support public participation and local environmental governance.
Supporting Evidence
NTHU–Kumamoto Environmental Research Exchange, March 25, 2025:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rbn_uk6BZERMCsv_FnPiHrcFC9I77Q0Y/view
5.2 International USR Networks and Prospective Environmental Data Sharing
NTHU's 2025 Touqian River project report documents engagement with international university social responsibility networks concerning river monitoring and community participation.
The team also explored database sharing and comparative studies of heavy-metal contamination with environmental research partners in Southeast Asia.
Meaningful international comparison of pollution data requires attention to sampling locations, collection periods, analytical parameters, laboratory methods, and data formats.
The exchanges enabled researchers to identify methodological considerations for potential future collaborative studies.
However, the available 2025 records document sharing existing research findings, discussing monitoring methods, and planning subsequent cooperation.
They do not establish completed joint international sampling, a shared multinational dataset, or jointly conducted SDG measurements.
Supporting Evidence
NTHU Touqian River Project Annual Report, 2025:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i8rv_lD3svXestG2mkSkY5XpRC8bEYFi/view
6. International Research on Technology Governance and Institutional Data
6.1 Collaborative Research Presented in Switzerland in 2025
On September 22–23, 2025, Professor Ching-Fu Lin of NTHU's Institute of Law for Science and Technology and Associate Professor Han-Wei Liu of Singapore Management University presented joint research at the Swiss-Taiwan International Political Economy and Law Research Workshop.
The workshop was organized by the World Trade Institute at the University of Bern, Switzerland.
Their paper, "Toward a New Tech Order: The Resilience, or Irrelevance of International Law?", examined legal and institutional challenges associated with semiconductor supply-chain governance and technological transformation.
The collaboration contributed to international legal research and the exchange of comparative institutional knowledge.
Its primary focus was conceptual and legal analysis rather than quantitative SDG indicator measurement.
Supporting Evidence
Swiss-Taiwan International Political Economy and Law Research Workshop:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eoT74bSxgl0g_jdybc60s0NEX5EPoMvC/view?usp=sharing
6.2 Research Exchange with Nagoya University in 2024
On May 26, 2024, Professor Ching-Fu Lin visited Professor Yoshiko Naiki at Nagoya University's Graduate School of Environmental Studies.
Their discussions explored global governance, digital infrastructure, smart cities, and environmental sustainability.
The proposed research topic, "How Digital Infrastructure (Re)Configures Environmental Sustainability: Thinking Infrastructurally toward International Smart City Projects," considered relationships between technological infrastructure and sustainability governance.
The exchange contributed to the development of a comparative research agenda.
Completed international datasets or SDG measurement outcomes have not been established through the provided records.
Supporting Evidence
Source: NTHU College of Technology Management's earlier institutional submission.
Recommended documentation: Joint research proposal, publications, and any completed comparative datasets.
6.3 American Society of International Law Research Network
In 2024, Professor Ching-Fu Lin became Co-Chair of the International Law and Technology Interest Group of the American Society of International Law.
The network connects researchers and practitioners from different countries to exchange perspectives on technological developments, legal institutions, and sustainable governance.
Its activities support international information exchange and potential research collaboration.
However, participation in a professional research network does not, by itself, demonstrate joint quantitative SDG data collection.
Supporting Evidence
Source: NTHU College of Technology Management institutional submission.
Recommended documentation: Official role confirmation and completed collaborative research outputs relevant to SDG data measurement.
7. International Sustainability Assessment and Institutional Reporting
7.1 Participation in THE Impact Rankings
NTHU participates in international sustainability data reporting through the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
The university consolidates information related to energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water resources, environmental management, education, research, and societal engagement.
Through annual reporting and supporting documentation, NTHU organizes data in accordance with internationally defined assessment categories.
This supports transparency, institutional performance monitoring, and comparisons among universities.
Participation in international assessment should nevertheless be distinguished from joint scientific measurement conducted by multinational research teams.
Supporting Evidence
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings:
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/impactrankings
NTHU Sustainability Website:
7.2 UI GreenMetric and International Campus Sustainability Frameworks
Earlier institutional submissions identify UI GreenMetric as a framework relevant to campus sustainability data and comparative assessment.
Its assessment areas include campus environmental conditions, energy, water, waste management, and education.
Such frameworks provide references for organizing institutional sustainability information and evaluating environmental management practices.
However, NTHU's specific participation years and official submissions to UI GreenMetric require confirmation before being reported as completed institutional achievements.
Supporting Evidence
UI GreenMetric Official Website:
Recommended documentation: NTHU's official participation records or submitted assessment reports.
8. International Industry Partnerships and Information Networks
8.1 Industry–Academia Cooperation in Vietnam
In August 2024, NTHU's international industry–academia team visited industrial park management organizations in Vietnam and explored cooperation with Tan Thuan Corporation.
According to the institutional submission, the international membership arrangement became effective on November 1, 2024.
The collaboration aimed to facilitate industrial technology upgrading, international research and development partnerships, and future training in semiconductors and ESG.
It established a foundation for cross-border information exchange and industrial collaboration.
However, completed joint SDG data collection or measurement has not been documented.
Supporting Evidence
Source: NTHU International Industry–Academia Center institutional submission.
Recommended documentation: International cooperation agreement and research data or analysis produced through the partnership.
8.2 Global Alumni Networks and Information Sharing
NTHU's Alumni Association and Alumni Center maintain international connections that facilitate communication among alumni, researchers, and other stakeholders.
According to the departmental submission, the university's alumni network comprises 39 overseas alumni associations or liaison offices and 27 domestic departmental and professional alumni organizations.
These networks provide opportunities for sharing information on education, international cooperation, local revitalization, and social impact.
Such information exchange can support research networking and future sustainability-related collaboration.
Nevertheless, alumni networking does not independently establish a formal international SDG measurement programme.
Supporting Evidence
NTHU Alumni Center:
https://alumni.site.nthu.edu.tw/p/412-1346-12447.php?Lang=zh-tw
9. Improving Data Management and Future International Cooperation
9.1 Standardization of Institutional Sustainability Information
NTHU continues to improve the consolidation and management of sustainability-related data across administrative and academic units.
Institutional efforts include maintaining supporting documents, clarifying data sources, improving annual reporting consistency, and strengthening comparability across reporting periods.
These processes support international sustainability reporting and provide an administrative foundation for research cooperation.
9.2 Digitalization of International Administrative Procedures
NTHU's Office of Global Affairs continues to improve administrative digitalization and information management.
In 2024, relevant offices refined selected standard operating procedures and announcements for students and faculty.
The university has continued improving information coordination and reporting processes associated with international engagement.
These measures support institutional administration but should not be interpreted as completed joint SDG measurements.
Supporting Evidence
NTHU International Administrative Information:
https://exten.site.nthu.edu.tw/p/405-1213-140081,c14028.php?Lang=en
https://oga.site.nthu.edu.tw/p/412-1524-18673.php?Lang=en
9.3 Proposed International Healthcare Research Collaboration in 2026
Professor Kuei-Tung Chen of NTHU's Department of Chemistry has participated in a proposed international project under Canada's New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF).
The proposed collaboration includes research partners from Canada, Taiwan, Sweden, and Finland.
Its objectives involve affordable disease diagnosis and treatment technologies, with planned work on shared measurement standards, research data exchange, and international validation.
The research direction is relevant to SDG 3 and SDG 17.
As of October 2026, the project remained at the application stage, with submission of the full proposal expected in November 2026.
It is therefore described as a prospective international collaboration rather than a completed joint data collection project.
Supporting Evidence
Source: NTHU Department of Chemistry 2026 institutional submission.
Recommended documentation: Official project approval and subsequent research records once available.
10. Continuing Commitment
NTHU will continue strengthening international research partnerships and improving sustainability data governance to support the Sustainable Development Goals.
Priority areas include health innovation, green buildings, sustainable manufacturing, environmental monitoring, water-resource protection, and institutional sustainability.
The university aims to promote collaborative research, technical validation, data sharing, and comparable measurement methods across research institutions.
NTHU will also encourage research teams to document joint data collection procedures, measurement outputs, and analytical findings to strengthen the transparency and verifiability of future international SDG research collaboration.