The Global S&T Race: US Funding Cuts vs. China's R&D Surge
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science and Technology (Basic Research, R&D, AI, New Technologies); International Relations (US-China relations, global trends); Indian Economy (Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D - GERD).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): "Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests" (The US-China S&T rivalry and its impact on India).
General Studies Paper 3 (Science & Technology / Economy): "Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life"; "Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology"; "Investment models"; "Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment." (This is a core topic for GS-3).
Key Highlights from the News
The Trump administration is undermining the US science and technology (S&T) system. Basic research funding in key government agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) is being drastically cut.
Due to funding cuts and policy uncertainty, the US is facing a major "brain drain". International students and senior scientists are leaving the US.
Meanwhile, China is heavily investing in its science, technology, and innovation (STI) sectors.
Chinese universities are rapidly advancing in global rankings like Nature Index. China is surpassing the US in both the number and quality of research papers.
China is already far ahead of the US in AI (Artificial Intelligence) research (in publications and citations).
China will soon overtake the US in total spending on research and development (GERD).
Through state-led programmes like Made in China 2025 and the Medium- and Long-Term Plan for the Development of Science and Technology, China aims to dominate strategic areas such as quantum research, AI, and semiconductors.
This trend is likely to reshape the global innovation landscape and the geopolitical balance of the 21st century.
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