In 2017, the CIER established its Southern Branch in Kaohsiung to align with the government’s policy of “strengthening local connections.” Leveraging its extensive experience in national economic policy research and consultation, the Southern Branch aims to enhance local economic dynamism and accelerate industrial upgrading and transformation in southern Taiwan. The Southern Branch’s mission is focused on driving “local economic transformation,” which includes strategies for transforming local businesses and industries, promoting the development of emerging industries, and helping central and local governments understand the operational dynamics of industries in the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan-Kaohsiung-Pingtung region. The Southern Branch also promotes regional knowledge sharing, fosters exemplary learning among enterprises, and sparks innovation to invigorate local economies. Over the years, the Southern Branch has served as a resource integration platform for public policy research in southern Taiwan by facilitating effective collaboration among industry, government, academia, and research institutions. It supports local government policymaking and drives sustainable industrial development in the region.