ChinaTalk

DIU's Michael Brown on US-China Tech Competition

Jan 2, 2021

In this engaging discussion, Michael Brown, the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit, shares insights from his extensive experience in tech leadership. He highlights the rising threat of industrial espionage and the need for strategic collaboration in U.S.-China tech competition. Brown emphasizes the importance of advancing basic research and adapting military procurement to keep pace with innovation. The conversation also covers the nuances of research methodologies in both nations and the urgency for the U.S. to form solid strategies to maintain technological leadership amid rapid change.

47:11

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Episode guests

Eric Lofgren

Michael Brown

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Research Dynamics in U.S.-China Tech Rivalry

21min

Revolutionizing Military Tech Acquisition

14min

Contrasting Approaches to Research and Innovation in the U.S. and China

3min

Navigating Peer Review and Innovation in Defense

2min

Navigating the U.S.-China Tech Competition: Strategies for the Future

5min

Kicking off a series on US-China defense-related issues with Eric Lofgren of the podcast AcquisitionTalk, we host Defense Innovation Unit head Michael Brown.

We touch on a number of topics, including:

Industrial espionage and foreign investment
The debate over basic vs. applied research
China starting to determine technical standards
Coordinating with allies on semiconductors
Transitioning tech in the DoD

Before taking the helm of DIU in 2018, Michael co-authored a study with Pravneet Singh showing how Chinese participation in the US venture/tech ecosystem had surged from $300 million in 2010 to $11.52 billion in 2015. Chinese capital comprised 16 percent of all deals in 2016. That work launched the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA) which strengthened the government's ability to block Chinese investments.

Do note we recorded this episode in early Nov before the election.

Outtro music by Higher Brothers, 'Empire'

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