National Competitiveness

New research from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that venture capital investment and advanced technology adoption are closely linked to higher employment and productivity. VC-backed, technology-adopting firms account for a disproportionately large share of U.S. jobs, even as venture investment has declined since 2021.

U.S. semiconductor export controls swing unpredictably between administrations, undermining innovation and security. The solution is a clear, bipartisan strategy that narrowly restricts the most sensitive technologies while allowing U.S. chipmakers to compete globally.

One way to gauge how U.S. firms engage globally is by examining receipts from the rest of the world as a share of GDP. Policymakers should track foreign receipts as a share of GDP as a standard indicator of how U.S. firms’ global activity is evolving and whether it aligns with national economic interests.

The science community must move beyond the linear model of scientific research developed and encouraged by Vannevar Bush, and realign scientific exploration with national interests, especially in the face of the growing technological and economic threat posed by China.

iRobot’s collapse and sale to a Chinese firm illustrate how blocking domestic consolidation in the name of antitrust can weaken U.S. technology leadership and ultimately undermine national competitiveness.

China’s trade surplus has grown from $993 billion in 2024 to $1.08 trillion in the first 11 months of 2025, making it the first country in recorded history to reach the $1 trillion milestone.

Watch now for 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 discussed 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.

ITIF commends the Trump administration for working to develop an up-to-date, coherent National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing. The success of this effort will be vital to enhancing the global competitiveness of U.S. advanced manufacturing over the coming decade.

Europe, your vision of a green, integrated, and non-disruptive world is lovely. But it’s time to wake up and build the industrial and military capabilities that today’s world demands.

Watch now 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.