The national flags of the U.S. and China waving outside a building.
Teh Eng Koon | AFP via Getty Images
The United States might be leading in some areas of its technology race with China but experts warn against the world's largest economy resting on its laurels, urging instead for cooperation with allies and shifts in domestic policy.
Alongside trade war developments between the U.S. and China, both parties have been embroiled in growing competition to dominate various fields of next-generation technology, such as 5G networks and artificial intelligence (AI).
5G refers to the latest mobile networking technology that promises super-fast download speeds and the ability to underpin critical infrastructure. That's one reason why it is seen as crucial technology for both countries.
In the last few years, Beijing has laid out a number of plans it hopes will turn China into a world leader in various tech areas:
U.S.-China competition is essentially about who will control the global information technology infrastructure and standards.
Frank Rose
senior fellow for security and strategy at the Brookings Institution
The China Standards 2035 blueprint is essentially the technical specifications and rules that define how many of the technologies that are in use everyday, like mobile networks, operate. Being able to influence what those look like could have wide-ranging implications for power Beijing wields in various areas of technology globally.
"U.S.-China competition is essentially about who will control the global information technology infrastructure and standards," said Frank Rose, senior fellow for security and strategy in the Foreign Policy program at The Brookings Institution, at a webinar earlier this month.
A recent report by Citi that studied AI competitiveness of 48 economies found that the U.S. still leads significantly. The other 47 economies included in the index would face "severe difficulties in catching up to the U.S.'s AI industry in 2020-30," the report said.
This was attributed to the U.S.'s strength, particularly in AI patents, investment and academic research. Citi said the ranking was not a surprise, given that major software companies are headquartered in the U.S.
The ranking was calculated by weighing five factors, namely: academic research, patents, investment, labor and hardware in the field of artificial intelligence.
However, the report also found that only China, ranked second behind the U.S. in the index, would be likely to "cultivate an independent strong ecosystem for the AI industry due to both economic and geopolitical reasons."
China would still need to catch up in two areas, namely jet engines and semiconductor, according to Michael Brown, director of the defense innovation unit at theU.S. Department of Defense.
"So they're (China) not quite there yet, but I think we can't rest on our laurels," he saidat theBrookings Institutionwebinar. "I think they very much can compete, and that's what makes me very concerned, if we don't wake up and see what we need to do to compete."
Even though many countries have invested efforts to boost their domestic biotech sector, China is the "only one whose scale could potentially ... pose a threat to American pre-eminence" in biotech, said Scott Moore, director of the Penn Global China Program at the University of Pennsylvania, during the same webinar.
China's policy target is for biotech to account for roughly 4% of Chinese GDP by 2020, and in comparison, biotech makes up around 2% of the U.S.'s GDP, Moore said.
Experts have pointed out that the U.S. could tap on alliances with other nations and re-orientate domestic policy to increase competitiveness.
"The U.S. and its allies comprise almost two-thirds of global R&D and there's extraordinary ways we can try to leverage that pool of research and development and coordinate on shared priorities," said Andrew Imbrie, senior fellow with the Center for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown University during the webinar.
Investing in research undertaken by both the government and academia is a "proven strategy" from the Cold War era that can be used again in this current situation, Brown said. However, "the more important and more difficult strategy" would involve the "need to reform our business thinking, and our capital markets, to move away from short-term thinking, to be more long-term oriented," he argued.
He pointed to the short-term thinking that is ingrained in the business community in the U.S. a result, he said, of measures including a focus on quarterly earnings, increasing short-term stock price, and shorter periods for holding stock.
In contrast, China takes a very long-term view, and sees technology and innovation as key to developing national capability as part of its overall national strategy, he said.
Short-term thinking isnot the right approach if the U.S. is preparing for a "superpower marathon" with China, Brown said."We have to reform this or we're not going to be successful in competing with China."
More:
- What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? - Definition from ... [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Artificial Intelligence | Neuro AI [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2016]
- A.I. Artificial Intelligence - Wikipedia, the free ... [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2016]
- Artificial Intelligence - The New York Times [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2016]
- Intro to Artificial Intelligence Course and Training ... [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- Artificial Intelligence | Neuro AI [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2016]
- What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Webopedia Definition [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2016]
- Intro to Artificial Intelligence Course and Training Online ... [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2016]
- Artificial Intelligence News -- ScienceDaily [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2016]
- Artificial intelligence positioned to be a game-changer - CBS ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2016]
- Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach - amazon.com [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2016]
- Artificial Intelligence - IndiaBIX [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- The Non-Technical Guide to Machine Learning & Artificial ... [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Artificial Intelligence - Graduate Schools of Science ... [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: An Introduction [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- What does artificial intelligence mean? - Definitions.net [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Artificial Intelligence Lockheed Martin [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Artificial Intelligence Course - Computer Science at CCSU [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- FREE Artificial Intelligence Essay - Example Essays [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Elon Musk's artificial intelligence group signs Microsoft ... [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Real FX - Slotless Racing with Artificial Intelligence [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Artificial Intelligence: What It Is and How It Really Works [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2017]
- Artificial Intelligence Market Size and Forecast by 2024 [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2017]
- Algorithm-Driven Design: How Artificial Intelligence Is ... [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2017]
- 9 Development in Artificial Intelligence | Funding a ... [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2017]
- Artificial Intelligence Tops Humans in Poker Battle What's the Big Deal? - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Is AI a Threat to Christianity? - The Atlantic [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Allow mathematicians to pierce artificial intelligence frontiers - Livemint [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Montreal sees its future in smart sensors, artificial intelligence (with video) - Computerworld [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Silicon Valley Hedge Fund Takes On Wall Street With AI Trader - Bloomberg [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- The Observer view on artificial intelligence - The Guardian [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Artificial Intelligence Is Coming Whether You Like It Or Not - Mother Jones [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- RealDoll Creating Artificial Intelligence System, Robotic Sex Dolls ... - Breitbart News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Forget lessons, these smart skis are loaded with artificial intelligence - Mashable [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Artificial Intelligence Correctly Predicted the Patriots' 34-28 Super ... - Digital Trends [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Why C-Levels Need To Think About eLearning And Artificial Intelligence - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Artificial Intelligence-Driven Robots: More Brains Than Brawn - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Artificial intelligence: How to build the business case - ZDNet [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- What 'social artificial intelligence' means for marketers - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Actress Kristen Stewart's Research Paper On Artificial Intelligence: A Critical Evaluation - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Baidu cut its healthcare business to concentrate on artificial intelligence - Asia Times [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Google Android Wear 2.0 update puts artificial intelligence inside your wristwatch - The Sun [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- How criminals use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - BetaNews [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- In the Labs: Connected vehicles in Ohio, artificial intelligence in Illinois and Massachusetts - Network World [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Keeping an eye on artificial intelligence - The National Business Review [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Actors, teachers, therapists think your job is safe from artificial intelligence? Think again - The Guardian [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Wells Fargo Innovation Group to Focus on Artificial Intelligence, Payments and APIs - Wall Street Journal (blog) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- SAP aims to step up its artificial intelligence, machine learning game as S/4HANA hits public cloud - ZDNet [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Artificial Intelligence Is Coming To Police Bodycams, Raising Privacy Concerns - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Nvidia Beats Earnings Estimates As Its Artificial Intelligence Business Keeps On Booming - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Could Artificial Intelligence Ever Become A Threat To Humanity? - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Artificial intuition will supersede artificial intelligence, experts say - Network World [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- The Peril of Inaction with Artificial Intelligence - Gigaom [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- TASER International Bringing Artificial Intelligence to Law Enforcement - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- LG G6 teasers emphasize battery life, artificial intelligence - CNET [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Wells Fargo sets up artificial intelligence team in tech push - Reuters [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Ford spending $1 billion on self-driving artificial intelligence - CNET [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Artificial Intelligence in Business Process Automation - Nanalyze [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- An artificial intelligence gamble that paid off - Minneapolis Star Tribune [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Ford to Invest $1 Billion in Artificial Intelligence Start-Up - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Wells Fargo Pushes Into Artificial Intelligence - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Artificial intelligence predictions surpass reality - UT The Daily Texan [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Creating artificial intelligence-driven technology products is almost like unleashing the Frankenstein's monster - Economic Times (blog) [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Inside Intel Corporation's Artificial Intelligence Strategy - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- The artificial intelligence revolutionising healthcare - Irish Times [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Ford Announces Investment in Artificial Intelligence Company Argo AI - Motor Trend [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Ford Invests $1-Billion in Artificial Intelligence - AutoGuide.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Salesforce adds some artificial intelligence to customer service products - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- No hype, just fact: Artificial intelligence in simple business terms - ZDNet [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Artificial Intelligence and The Confusion of Our Age - Patheos (blog) [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- How Artificial Intelligence Startups Struck Gold - Entrepreneur [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Terrifyingly, Google's Artificial Intelligence acts aggressive when cornered - Chron.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- This Startup Has Developed A New Artificial Intelligence That Can (Sometimes) Beat Google - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- RPI artificial intelligence expert looks at Westworld - Albany Times Union [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Google's DeepMind artificial intelligence becomes 'highly aggressive' when stressed. Skynet, anyone? - Mirror.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Artificial Intelligence Enters The Classroom - News One [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- John Pisarek Talks Artificial Intelligence - Customer Think [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Can Artificial Intelligence Predict Earthquakes? - Scientific American [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Artificial Intelligence Is Becoming A Major Disruptive Force In Banks' Finance Departments - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]