US study finds China’s tech innovation ‘much stronger’ than previously understood
Performing best in nuclear power, EVs and batteries, mainland companies will ‘likely equal or surpass Western firms within a decade or so’
Can China innovate and outcompete the US in their pitched battle for technological supremacy?
On Wednesday, analysts from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a Washington think tank, presented their findings at a Capitol Hill event, urging US politicians and policymakers to tackle the challenges posed by Chinese innovation.
“Overall we find that while the Chinese innovation system is not perfect, it is much stronger than it was previously understood,” ITIF’s Stephen Ezell told the gathering.
Evidence to date suggested China had yet to take the lead overall, but “it has pulled ahead in certain areas and in many others Chinese firms will likely equal or surpass Western firms within a decade or so”, he added.
Chinese firms were performing “the best” in nuclear power, electric vehicles and batteries, Ezell said, calling its pace of innovation in advanced semiconductors modest.
