"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg
E139: America’s Tech Strategy w/ Qasar Younis, Sen. Jack Reed, and Josh Wolfe
May 8, 2025
In this discussion, Qasar Younis, CEO of Applied Intuition, joins Josh Wolfe and Senator Jack Reed to delve into America's tech strategy. They tackle the fierce U.S.-China tech competition and the importance of attracting global talent to maintain innovation. The panelists emphasize balancing data privacy with technological advancement, especially in AI and autonomous vehicles. They also highlight the challenges posed by espionage and the need for robust policies to secure America's technological future while nurturing a diverse workforce.
33:12
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Quick takeaways
- Attracting and retaining talent in technology sectors is complex due to geopolitical tensions and the need for balanced immigration policies.
- The discussion emphasizes the unpredictability of dual-use technologies and the urgent need for protecting intellectual property amid rapid advancements.
Deep dives
Talent Attraction and Retention Challenges
Attracting and retaining talent is increasingly complex, especially in the context of geopolitical tensions and domestic immigration policies. Companies see significant vulnerabilities related to espionage, particularly from adversaries such as China. Leadership acknowledges that while immigrant talent strengthens their workforce, there is a need for nuanced policies that don’t inadvertently drive away valuable employees. The emphasis is on maintaining a careful balance between securing national interests and fostering an inclusive environment that draws diverse talent.
