ChinaTalk The Future of Economic Security with Dan Kim and Chris Miller
35 snips
Jan 21, 2026 
Dan Kim, former Chief Economist for the CHIPS Program, and Chris Miller, historian and author of Chip War, dive into the intricate world of economic security and industrial policy. They discuss the limitations of the CHIPS Act and explore what success truly means amid a complex geopolitical landscape. The duo contrasts invention with fast-following models, emphasizing the importance of resilience over self-sufficiency. They also address the need for robust metrics in industrial strategy and the implications of managed dependence in global supply chains.
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Targeted Success Over Full Autarky
- The CHIPS Program Office defined success by targeted capabilities rather than total autarky.
- They prioritized two leading-edge clusters, mature nodes, packaging, and specialized tech to signal practical goals.
Unfinished Cars And Cruise Ships
- During COVID shortages, auto assembly stalled over small accessory chips and unfinished cruise ships highlighted fragility.
- Dan Kim used those examples to justify nuanced supply-chain thinking rather than blunt factory building.
Use Four Cs To Prioritize Funding
- Evaluate projects against four concrete criteria: capacity, capability, competition, and criticality.
- Use those metrics to prioritize scarce industrial policy funding and ensure consistent application review.
