The Great Tech Race: Quantifying the Unseen Power among Great Powers

• In Event: How Do Americans View Taiwan?

Abstract

This study introduces a novel methodology for assessing national technological power, a crucial factor in the contemporary geopolitical landscape. International Relations (IR) scholars have recognized technology as a cornerstone of the emerging New Cold War. In this context, the rapid expansion of China's technological prowess, particularly in areas such as 5G communications, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor manufacturing, has emerged as a pivotal challenge in global politics. Despite the acknowledged importance of technological capability among major world powers, a precise and comprehensive measurement of this capability remains a challenge. To address this gap, our research proposes the National Technology Power Index (NTPI). The NTPI adopts a three-phase measurement approach, integrating metrics of financial power, human capital, and intellectual property. This index not only provides a systematic methodology for evaluating a nation's technological capacities but also enables comparative analyses between different states. Our findings offer significant insights for both policymakers and IR scholars, facilitating a deeper understanding of the global technological landscape.

Authors

• Kuanchu Chou, Department of Diplomacy, National Chengchi University

• Ronan Tse-min Fu, Academia Sinica