Jeffrey Ding, a scholar at George Washington University and author of "Technology and the Rise of Great Powers," delves into the U.S.-China tech rivalry. He presents a fresh theory emphasizing that it's not merely about developing new technologies but also about how well they spread across the economy. Ding argues that while China is perceived as an AI superpower, misconceptions about its capabilities abound. He highlights the vital role of education and decentralization in fostering innovation and discusses how effective technology diffusion can drive significant economic growth.

Jeffrey Ding, an author and expert on technology's role in global power dynamics, dives into the crucial topic of AI development and diffusion. He contrasts the US and China’s approaches to AI skill formation, arguing for a broader recognition of everyday engineers. The conversation touches on historical technological implications on geopolitics and warns against the 'Fortress America' mindset, which inflates threats from China. Ding advocates for collaborative innovation policies that embrace incremental advancements to maintain competitive edge in the tech landscape.