Betting on America: Winning the Global Tech Race
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Betting on America: Winning the Global Tech Race explores how new and emerging partnerships between government and business are shaping the future of U.S. industrialization and the country’s prospects for winning the global tech race. Betting on America will dive into strategies and investments that government and business are pursuing together – sharing risks and generating returns – as they bet on the innovation, commercialization, and scaling of critical and emerging technologies across the country. These include climate technologies, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, bio technologies, and more. The podcast will feature in-depth discussions with policymakers, experts, and industry leaders on the most complex policy questions of the day.Hosted by Navin Girishankar, President, CSIS Economic Security & Technology Department.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 20, 2025 • 46min
Can America Lead in Uranium Enrichment Again? Featuring Scott Nolan
Scott Nolan, Founder & CEO of General Matter and Partner at Founders Fund, joins Navin Girishankar on Betting on America to chart America’s nuclear fuel comeback. He breaks down General Matter’s partnership with the Department of Energy to restart uranium enrichment in Paducah, KY, why securing fuel for the nation’s nuclear fleet is a strategic imperative, and how public–private collaboration is essential to tackling America’s biggest economic and national security challenges. Nolan also shares lessons from his journey as a founder and investor.
Aug 6, 2025 • 51min
Winning the AI Race featuring OSTP Director Michael Kratsios
This special episode of Betting on America features a recent live CSIS event with Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in conversation with Gregory C. Allen, Senior Advisor with the Wadhwani AI Center. Director Kratsios discusses the goals of the White House's newly released AI Action Plan along with the administration's plans for AI infrastructure, export controls, workforce, export promotion, national security, and more.
Jul 25, 2025 • 56min
Rebalancing and Reform featuring Indermit Gill
Indermit Gill, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank, joins Navin Girishankar for a wide-ranging conversation on global growth prospects as well as challenges and opportunities for developing countries. Indermit shared his insights on the causes of persistent trade imbalances, the role of international financial institutions, economic reforms amid rising populism, as well as the potential for technology to drive U.S. exports while spurring growth in the Global South.
Jul 9, 2025 • 32min
The Golden Opportunity for American AI featuring Brad Smith
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, shares his insights on the transformative potential of AI. He discusses the ethical responsibilities of technologists and the necessity for collaboration across sectors to harness AI effectively. The conversation highlights how American AI can boost exports and job creation while navigating the complexities of export controls for national security. Additionally, they explore the collaborative efforts between the U.S. and UAE to advance technology, addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for developing nations.
Jun 18, 2025 • 48min
Export Controls to Secure U.S. Innovation featuring Matthew Borman
Matthew Borman joins Navin Girishankar to discuss the evolution of U.S. export controls as a key economic security tool and their effectiveness at securing innovative and sensitive technologies. Matt is a non-resident Senior Technical Expert at CSIS and served as principal deputy assistant secretary for strategic trade and technology security and deputy assistant secretary for export administration at the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security for more than 20 years.
7 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 46min
Enabling Research and Innovation: featuring Caltech President Thomas Rosenbaum
Thomas Rosenbaum, President of Caltech and a distinguished physicist, dives into the vital role of American universities in driving innovation. He discusses how curiosity-driven research connects with American exceptionalism. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of academia and industry, exemplified by the evolution of transistors and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Rosenbaum also addresses the challenges of translating research into commercial applications, emphasizing the need for sustained public funding and support for future generations of researchers.
May 21, 2025 • 41min
Universities Powering America’s Technology Future featuring Paul Alivisatos
President Paul Alivisatos of the University of Chicago joins Navin Girishankar on Betting on America to discuss the role of universities in the U.S. science, technology, and innovation ecosystem. Tune into this episode for a conversation about how universities power America’s technology future, from basic research to technology commercialization.
This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.
May 7, 2025 • 23min
Competing on Biotech with Mayor Randall Woodfin
Randall Woodfin, mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, will join Navin Girishankar on Betting on America to discuss how the city of Birmingham has emerged as a leading hub for U.S. biotechnology innovation by leveraging its strengths in biodata and public-private partnerships -- advancing U.S. competitiveness vis-à-vis China.
This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.
Apr 23, 2025 • 34min
Kokomo's EV Battery Play with Mayor Tyler Moore
Mayor Tyler Moore of Kokomo, Indiana joins Navin Girishankar on Betting on America to discuss how the city of Kokomo attracted Korean investment to establish components of the EV battery value chain. Tune into this episode for a fascinating conversation on how public investments, public-private partnerships, and cultural outreach have allowed this partnership to thrive. This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.
Apr 9, 2025 • 43min
How the U.S. Can Seize the Age of Biology featuring Dr. Michelle Rozo
Dr. Michelle Rozo, Vice Chair on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, joins Navin Girishankar on Betting on America to discuss the findings from the Commission’s report to Congress. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on how the biotechnology revolution will change our economy, society, and national security - and the key strategies to counter China's emerging dominance in biotechnology. A video recording of this podcast episode is available to watch here.
