National Competitiveness
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As nations engage in a race for global advantage in innovation, ITIF champions a new policy paradigm that ensures businesses and national economies can compete successfully by spurring public and private investment in foundational areas such as research, skills, and 21st century infrastructure. Our work on competitiveness policy includes analysis of the many factors and policies driving national competitiveness, including improving innovation ecosystems and the technical capacity of high-value-added industries.
Vice President, Global Innovation Policy, and Director, Center for Life Sciences Innovation
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
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Head of Policy, Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
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China Is Rapidly Becoming a Leading Innovator in Advanced Industries
There may be no more important question for the West’s competitive position in advanced industries than whether China is becoming a rival innovator. While the evidence suggests it hasn’t yet taken the overall lead, it has pulled ahead in certain areas, and in many others Chinese firms will likely equal or surpass Western firms within a decade or so.
A Techno-Economic Agenda for the Next Administration
The next administration needs to place innovation, productivity, and competitiveness at the core of its economic policy. To that end, this report offers a comprehensive techno-economic agenda with 82 actionable policy recommendations.
The Hamilton Index, 2023: China Is Running Away With Strategic Industries
China now dominates the strategically important industries in ITIF’s Hamilton Index, producing more than any other nation in absolute terms and more than all but a few others in relative terms. Its gains are coming at the expense of the United States and other G7 and OECD economies, and time is running short for policymakers to mount an industrial comeback.
More Publications and Events
December 15, 2025|Events
Crafting a National Power Industry Strategy in Response to China’s Industrial War
Please join ITIF for an expert panel discussion on an important new report that outlines China’s goals and strategy, explains why this moment marks a historical turning point, and defines the nature and importance of national power industries. Panelists will discuss flaws in prevailing China policy frameworks and explore why the field of corporate strategy should guide the creation of a coherent National Power Industry Strategy.
December 4, 2025|Events
Policy Solutions to Non-Tariff Attacks on U.S. Technology Leadership
Please join ITIF’s Aegis Project for a for an expert panel discussion as we discuss a new ITIF report on policy solutions to non-tariff attacks (NTAs), and explore the stakes for U.S. innovation, technology leadership, and global competitiveness.
November 10, 2025|Reports & Briefings
Decoupling Risks: How Semiconductor Export Controls Could Harm US Chipmakers and Innovation
U.S. export controls on semiconductor sales to China reduce U.S. chipmakers’ revenues, lower their R&D investment capabilities, and reduce industry employment. As such, U.S. policymakers should keep semiconductor export controls to a minimum.
November 7, 2025|Blogs
Defense Right-to-Repair Proposals Shouldn’t Compromise IP, Innovation, or Safety
Proposals in Congress to expand right-to-repair rules for defense systems risk weakening military innovation and safety by forcing contractors to disclose proprietary intellectual property that already falls under existing DOD access rights.
November 7, 2025|Blogs
The CCP’s Useful Idiots
We see plenty of “useful idiots” today. They no longer carry the Bolsheviks’ water, but rather parrot the CCP line as they disparage the West and praise China.
November 3, 2025|Blogs
Fact of the Week: R&D Investment Is Slowing in OECD Countries, From 3.6 Percent to 2.4 Percent
Between 2022 and 2023, R&D investment in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations grew by 2.4 percent, a slowdown from the 3.6 percent growth the previous year.
November 3, 2025|Reports & Briefings
How Some Chinese Companies Obscure Ties to China and What Policymakers Should Do About It
Certain Chinese companies obscure their ownership and strategic intent in the U.S. economy, gaining access to markets, talent, intellectual property, and subsidies. These practices advance China’s industrial and military goals and necessitate stronger oversight measures.
November 3, 2025|Reports & Briefings
From Outside Assaults to Insider Threats: Chinese Economic Espionage
China’s campaign of economic espionage against the United States spans cyber intrusions, insider theft, and technology transfer disguised as collaboration. Washington must recognize that Beijing is operating an elaborate espionage ecosystem and take strategic measures to disrupt it.
October 28, 2025|Presentations
Data-Driven Approaches to Understanding China's Technological Emergence
Sandra Barbosu spoke on a panel about competition in biotechnology at a conference hosted by the Asia Society of Northern California.
October 27, 2025|Reports & Briefings
Backfire: Export Controls Helped Huawei and Hurt U.S. Firms
Huawei is a more innovative company today than it was before the U.S. government sought to choke its supply chain. This case should serve as a lesson: U.S. techno-economic power is weaker than most think, and sanctions often hurt U.S. competitiveness more than China’s.
