
Asian Research Policy
Browse Issue
Science and Technology Diplomacy in the Era of U.S.-China Technology Rivalry
- Writer jinwon529
- Date 2024-01-29 14:04
- Hit103
Special Articles
Science and Technology Diplomacy in the Era of U.S.-China Technology Rivalry
YoungJa Bae
Abstract
What is the role that science and technology diplomacy can play amid the competition between the United
States and China for technological hegemony? Can science and technology still serve as a bridge between countries
and mitigate conflict? What does it mean to talk about cooperation on new technologies for climate change and
pandemics in the midst of the ongoing and unrelenting science and technology competition in reality?
The current competition between the United States and China highlights the need to consider factors other than
economic costs in technological innovation, such as security, health, and the environment. And because national
security considerations are closely intertwined with technological innovation, science and technology diplomacy
is now being approached from a security perspective. As regulations tighten on the free flow of R&D funds and
personnel across borders, which has been the driving force behind global technological innovation, innovation is
becoming more costly, and discussions are emerging about the possible bifurcation of the global innovation system.
International cooperation in emerging technology areas such as climate change, pandemics, and artificial intelligence
is also declining. In this article, the author recognizes that competition in science and technology is inevitable, but on
the other hand, the call for cooperation in science and technology is as strong as ever, emphasizing the importance of
science and technology diplomacy that balances cooperation and competition.