In a context of global technological competition, China seems to lag six months behind the US in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This assessment comes from the former head of Google in China, who highlights the challenges facing the country to catch up with its US counterpart. This article explores the reasons for this delay and the challenges of innovation in China.
A Changing Technological Ecosystem
China has long been seen as a major player in the development of AI, with massive investments and strong political will to become a global leader. However, experts believe that the country is now lagging behind the US, especially in terms of innovation and development of advanced AI models. The current situation is the result of several factors, including China’s dependence on US technologies, especially in the semiconductor field. The US restrictions on the export of advanced technologies to China have also exacerbated this lag.
The Challenges of Innovation in China
Despite the Chinese government’s considerable efforts to promote artificial intelligence (AI), the country faces significant challenges. China’s research and development ecosystem suffers from a lack of collaboration and an innovation culture that is not yet up to par with the US. China also faces intellectual property and data protection barriers that inhibit creativity and innovation. Chinese companies also have to deal with a lack of skilled labour in some advanced technological fields.
