China dominates AI and advanced analytics research

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s (ASPI) latest technology tracker highlights the significant gap in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics capabilities between Western countries and China.

One of the key findings in the tracker is a graph displaying the research papers published between 2019 and 2023, which was used to assess national research performance in advanced data analytics. According to ASPI, China leads in highly cited publications with a share of 33.2%, followed by the US at 14.4%. The UK ranks fourth with a share of 4%, trailing behind India at 5.4%.

During the period from 2019 to 2023, China published the highest number of research publications (8,672) on advanced analytics, while the US had 3,454 papers. The UK ranked seventh with 719 research papers, placing it behind Italy with 771.

ASPI’s measurement of highly cited publications identifies all of the top 10 academic institutes for advanced analytics in China. The top three institutes are Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Xidian University. In contrast, the UK’s Imperial College ranks 62nd.

When examining the career trajectories of top researchers in advanced analytics, China leads with 180 undergraduate researchers, while the US has 125. For postgraduate researchers, the US ranks first with 226, followed by the European Union at 145. China comes in third with 88 postgraduates.

ASPI categorizes advanced analytics as a subset of AI. The data on AI reveals that by 2023, China has become the top contributor in AI algorithm and acceleration hardware, accounting for 29% of research. The US follows at 12%, with the UK falling to fourth place at 6% behind India at 9%.

Entrepreneur Arnaud Bertrand commented on the shift in innovation trends, highlighting the West’s previous underestimation of China’s capabilities. He noted that biases and arrogance may have hindered progress and understanding.

Noteworthy data from ASPI includes the influx of top research talent based on their educational background. The UK attracted three of China’s top advanced analytics researchers, compared to 15 in the US and eight in the EU. Overall, the UK brought in six researchers from the US, eight from the EU, and one from India.