Assessing China's Techonology Potential

Richard P. Suttmeier

Given China's current role as both a legitimate economic force and uncertain politic entity, China's technological capacity has acquired a special importance in our assessments of the kind of nation China will be in the coming decades. The direction of China's science and technology (S&T) sector is of particular interest because it has considerable implications for international trade and security. There is little question that China is determined to secure its place as a scientific and technological powerhouse, as evidenced by its intensified research and development (R&D) efforts and new policies that promote innovation. But expert assessments of China's technological potential differ on the country's ability to mobilize its resources to this end, especially in the face of established global standards and tough competition. Therefore, in order to understand China's future international role, we need to learn how to ask the right questions about China's technological development.

Richard Suttmeier is Professor of Political Science at the University of Oregon. He serves on the Department of Commerce Civil Industrial Technology Coordinating Committee for relations with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.