Betting on America: Winning the Global Tech Race

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mike Brown, Partner at Shield Capital and former Director of the Defense Innovation unit, joined Navin Girishankar on this episode of Betting on America to explore the role of venture capital in growing our technological and industrial base, and ensuring our economic security.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a leading voice on U.S. competition with China, joins Navin Girishankar on this episode of Betting on America to discuss strategies and policies–from strategic investment, workforce, and export controls–that the U.S. needs to take the pole position across advanced technologies. Congressman Krishnamoorthi discusses Illinois efforts to become a global leader on quantum technologies.

Senator Todd Young (R-IN), a national champion of U.S. technology leadership in the global competition with China, joins Navin Girishankar on the Economic Security and Technology Department’s new series: Betting on America. Girishankar and Senator Young discuss a ‘tech power playbook’ for the United States including investments in chipmaking and biotech, tech diplomacy abroad, and the importance of investing in basic research.