Webinar "From follower to pioneer: China and Asia at the forefront of innovation"

Technological innovation has become the central axis of geopolitical competition in the century XXIIn a context marked by digitalization, artificial intelligence and the transition to data-driven economies, the major innovation hubs —China, the United States and to a lesser extent, the European Union— compete not only to achieve or preserve their technological autonomy, but also for strategic influence.

Currently, the United States still maintains a dominant position thanks to its innovation ecosystem, driven by major technology platforms, elite universities capable of attracting global talent, and a financial market able to sustain massive investments in R&D. Silicon Valley, increasingly linked to the security and defense sector, remains the epicenter of disruptive innovation, although it faces challenges related to the enormous expectations generated by new tools, regulation, and dependence on external supply chains for key resources, such as advanced chips and critical minerals.

In Asia, we find several significant players, among which China stands out. Beijing is committed to technological self-sufficiency through plans like “Made in China 2025” and heavy investments in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications. This strategy seeks to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and consolidate its influence in critical sectors, while other Asian countries—such as South Korea and Japan—strengthen their role in advanced innovation. Europe, for its part, faces the challenge of not falling behind. Although it has scientific capabilities and a solid regulatory framework, its fragmentation and lower private investment limit its competitiveness. The European Union is attempting to respond with initiatives such as the Chip Act and programs to promote digital sovereignty, prioritizing values ​​such as data protection and sustainability.

Ultimately, technological rivalry is not merely a technical matter: it redefines alliances, generates trade tensions, and affects global security. Innovation thus becomes an instrument of power, where the ability to control key technologies and set standards will determine the geopolitical balance in the coming decades.

Presented by:
Yasmin Paricio, coordinator of Politics, Society and Educational Programs, Casa Asia

Moderated by:
Oriol Farres, coordinator of the CIDOB International Yearbook

Speaker:
Claudio Feijoo, Jean Monnet Professor of Diplomacy, Strategy and Innovation, Polytechnic University of Madrid

Comments:
Mario Esteban, Senior Analyst for Asia at the Elcano Royal Institute

More information and registrations on Casa Asia's website.