臺灣PCB產業的綠色轉型及其中介網絡

Abstract

近年永續轉型研究方興未艾，不過仍缺乏產業低碳轉型的實證研究。在既有的相關研究中，雖已注意到轉型的中介力量，卻僅著重類型學分析而鮮少討論中介如何影響轉型發展。2023年，印刷電路板（PCB）產業在國內率先發布低碳轉型策略報告，展現對淨零碳排議題的關注。觀察其產業歷史，發現「台灣電路板協會（TPCA）」對PCB產業投入綠色轉型具有重大影響力。因此，本研究欲探討：（1）高污染且耗能的PCB產業，如何因應環保議題且迅速回應當前的龐大減碳壓力；（2）驅動或阻礙PCB廠商投入綠色轉型的因素有哪些；（3）中介組織在轉型過程扮演怎樣的角色、發揮哪些功能？ 由於轉型涉及社會技術變遷，本研究採用轉型理論中常應用的多層次視角（Multi-Level Perspective，MLP）作為分析框架。因淨零碳排是全球性的議題，藉由地景、體制及利基三種結構分析，可更清楚理解轉型的內涵。並且運用質性研究方法，透過半結構式訪談及參與式觀察，深入瞭解PCB產業的轉型發展。而為了避免產生快照問題，本研究還蒐集次級資料，分析臺灣PCB產業近60年歷史，進一步比較過去與現在的環境管理作法。 本研究發現，臺灣PCB產業能迅速回應淨零碳排浪潮，是因爲廠商目前仍以既有的節能方案達到減碳，為路徑依賴（Path Dependence）的結果。而當前驅動PCB產業投入綠色轉型的力量來自客戶、法規，並且與企業高層是否具備永續思維有重要關聯。最後，本研究亦發現，公共研究機構與產業協會等不同性質之中介組成網絡，能提供廠商更多資源與服務，且具有系統中介特性的TPCA在推動轉型上有關鍵作用。總結來說，本文不僅是轉型理論下的實證研究，更界定中介組織對轉型的貢獻。本文研究成果在未來可作為其他產業發展低碳轉型之借鏡，以幫助產、官、學界共同建構綠色轉型的創新環境。

There has been growing interest in sustainability transition research, yet empirical studies on low-carbon transitions remain scarce. Although previous studies recognize the role of intermediaries in transitions, they seldom discuss how these intermediaries influence development. In 2023, Taiwan’s Printed Circuit Board (PCB) industry published a low-carbon transition strategy report, highlighting its commitment to net-zero carbon emissions. The Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA) has significantly influenced the PCB industry’s low-carbon transitions. This study explores: (1) How the PCB firms tackle environmental issues and rapidly respond to decarbonization pressures; (2) The driving and hindering factors of low-carbon transitions; (3) The roles and functions of intermediaries during the transition process.

This study employs qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews and participatory observation. It utilizes the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) framework to analyze the nearly 60-year history of Taiwan’s PCB industry and its transition processes at the landscape, regime, and niche levels. The findings indicate that the PCB industry’s rapid response to the net-zero carbon emissions trend is due to path dependence on existing solutions. Moreover, current driving forces include customer demands, regulations, and the sustainability mindset of corporate executives. Additionally, networks of intermediaries, such as public research institutions and industry associations, provide critical resources and services.

Overall, this study contributes empirical evidence to transition theory and defines the role of intermediaries, offering insights for other industries pursuing low-carbon transitions.