The Global Race for Future Power

Critical Technology and the Strategic Development of Talent A report by the International Cyber Policy Centre at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) presents an insight into how critical technologies play a crucial role in the global economy, society, green energy production, medical breakthroughs, and military capabilities. A key theme is that the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and changes in global supply chains have disrupted international collaboration. In future, countries may wield critical materials as economic coercion weapons, leading to an energy crisis. The ASPI report, along with the Critical Technology Tracker website, identifies leading countries, universities, and businesses in scientific research and innovation. China is ahead in 37 of the 44 evaluated technologies, often producing over five times as much high-impact research as its closest competitor. The US leads in advanced semiconductor devices, high-performance computing, advanced integrated circuit design, quantum computing, and vaccines. The UK and India closely compete for the next most important technological powerhouse, followed by South Korea, Germany, and Australia. The Critical Technology Tracker also highlights leading organizations in various technologies, such as the University of California system, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Indian Institute of Technology. Dominance in most technology categories by the US and China highlight the fact that any development of long-term domestic technology leadership by a country requires a holistic viewpoint of how that country fits into the global competition for talent, resources, and market share. A broader perspective is that nations seeking to develop local technology leadership must compete with the US and China for graduates, irrespective of their country of origin. Understanding the human dimension of technology development is crucial, as innovations come from skilled researchers. China's lead in high-impact research is due to its majority of researchers being trained domestically and its ability to attract talent from democratic countries. However, translating high-impact research into manufacturing reliable products requires a different skill set, which China is also striving to develop. These findings are apparently intended to serve as a wake-up call for those nations who are not leading the rankings. Urgent policy changes, increased investment, and global collaboration are needed to close the growing gap.