The Institute’s teaching, research, and development goals are structured around four distinctive features:

• A solid foundation in professional archaeological training

• Using historical archaeology to deepen the study of local history

• Advancing Austronesian archaeology with international engagement

• Strengthening the management and development of cultural heritage

The Institute’s curricular strengths are closely aligned with its research and development directions. Engaging with contemporary global trends in archaeology, the Institute has established four major areas of focus:

First, prehistoric archaeology of the Austronesian-speaking peoples.
Prehistoric Austronesian archaeology constitutes the core of the Institute’s development strategy. Rigorous research on Taiwan’s prehistory will make significant contributions to international archaeological studies across the broader South China Sea, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.

Second, archaeological research on Taiwan and its regional network relationships.
In the study of protohistoric East and Southeast Asia from the tenth century CE onward, Taiwan’s geographical position is especially prominent. It plays a critical role in rethinking the operation of world trade systems spanning Northeast Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Third, historical archaeology of the Tainan region.
Through historical archaeological research in Tainan, the Institute develops theoretical discussions on Indigenous cultural transformations, the formation of Han society, and the incorporation of colonial economies into early globalization, thereby contributing to current international debates in historical archaeology.

Fourth, promoting Indigenous archaeology as social practice.
Advancing Indigenous archaeology is a top priority in the Institute’s short- and medium-term development plans. Contemporary archaeology has moved beyond evaluating the buried past solely through academic scientific knowledge and value systems; instead, it emphasizes social practice that actively supports Indigenous peoples’ rights related to land and cultural heritage.