The Acer Foundation was formed to assist the industry in building core competencies to ensure success in today’s competitive world markets. Taking reference from Acer’s experiences, core competencies of companies in developing countries should center on high-tech management and effective globalization efforts. Therefore, Acer Foundation’s major orientation aims to provide assistance in these two areas to such companies.

The Acer Foundation was officially registered in Taiwan in July 1996. Major financial support comes from the Acer Group companies. The initial capitalization was NT$200 million (approx. US$7.3 million), donated by Acer Inc., a core member of the Acer Group. The Acer Foundation operates under the supervision of a board of directors consisting of fifteen directors and three supervisors. Among the Board members, six directors and two supervisors were invited from outside the Acer organization. Among this select group are a Nobel prize winner in chemistry plus well-known professors in the fields of business management, computer science, economics, finance, and human resource development. Chairman of the Board is J.T. Wang, who is also the Chairman and CEO of the Acer Group.

Objectives of the Foundation are threefold. First, to transfer valuable experience through the collection and dissemination of successful case studies regarding technological development and business management. Second, to improve global competitiveness by providing training, services and consultation in technology development and business management. Third, to magnify the benefits resulting from the first two objectives by publishing articles, and/or by sponsoring various awards, seminars, special programs, and events in universities and research institutions.

To collect and disseminate successful case studies, the Foundation works with reputable research institutes and universities. In addition, to help companies obtain positive results right from the start, the Foundation will draw upon the successful experiences from the Acer Group, especially relating to its globalization, organization evolution, human resources development, and technological advancement.