Reconstructing and Translating Indigenous Ecological Culture Under the Impact of Innovative Technologies

MIN HUI KAO; PO-CHIH CHIU; LIANG YUN  WANG

Authors

MIN HUI KAO College of Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
PO-CHIH CHIU Guangzhou Institute of Science and Technology, Guangzhou
LIANG YUN WANG Department of Logistic Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Keywords:

traditional ecological knowledge, science and technology studies, appropriate technology

Abstract

Rapid advances in innovative technologies - such as artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned

vehicles, automated sensing systems, and genetic modification-are profoundly reshaping the

conditions under which Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and socio - cultural

practices are sustained. These transformations raise not only practical concerns but also

ontological questions regarding cultural continuity and emerging forms of digital colonialism.

This study examines how the introduction of innovative technologies restructures social order

and food-related cultural practices within Indigenous communities, with particular attention to

Austronesian groups in Pingtung and Taitung, Taiwan. Drawing on science and technology

studies (STS), cultural anthropology, agricultural biotechnology, and information engineering,

the study conceptualizes a culturally resilient socio-technical network (STN) as an analytical

framework for understanding these transformations. This research project extends to four sub

projects to carry out concrete actions: hoping to promote national digital transformation while

implementing the spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social reconciliation,

ensuring a deep dialogue between technological development and social needs, so that

innovative technologies become guardians rather than substitutes of indigenous cultures.

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