CISS Podcast
Jeffrey Ding: Technology Diffusion and National Strength: The New Logic of Competition in the Age of GPTs
Mar 31, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Jeffrey Ding, a professor at George Washington University and an expert on technology diffusion, shares his thoughts on the modern competition driven by general-purpose technologies (GPTs). He critiques the glorification of breakthrough innovations and highlights the significance of gradual advancements and workforce skills. Ding discusses the historical impact of GPTs on military effectiveness and advocates for a diffusion-centric strategy in the US-China AI rivalry, emphasizing the need for improved technical education and workforce growth.
26:09
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Quick takeaways
- Successful national strength is rooted not in pioneering technologies but in the effective adoption and diffusion of general purpose technologies.
- The emphasis on cultivating a diverse engineering workforce is crucial for leveraging technology's benefits, moving beyond just focusing on high-profile inventors.
Deep dives
General Purpose Technologies and Global Power
Technology plays a pivotal role in shaping global power dynamics, particularly through the lens of general purpose technologies (GPTs) like electricity and artificial intelligence. The argument posits that a country’s success is determined not by its ability to pioneer these technologies but by its capacity to adopt and integrate them throughout its economy. This process, termed GPT diffusion, highlights the significance of institutions that educate and train a wide pool of engineers rather than focusing exclusively on elite inventors or groundbreaking innovations. By understanding the spread and application of GPTs across various sectors, nations can better harness technological advancement for economic growth and international standing.
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