China Surpasses US in Semiconductor Research Output and Influence

A Georgetown University report highlights China's dominance in chip-related research, raising questions about its potential to outpace the US in advanced semiconductor development.

• Chinese researchers published over twice as many semiconductor-related research papers as their US counterparts between 2018 and 2023, accounting for 34% of global output.
• China also leads in research impact, with 50% of the most-cited papers authored by Chinese institutions, compared to 22% from the US and 17% from Europe.
• The report underscores China's focus on next-generation chip technologies like neuromorphic and optoelectric computing, which fall outside current export restrictions.
• US export controls and sanctions have pushed China to accelerate efforts toward semiconductor self-sufficiency and innovation in AI-related chip design.
• Experts warn that restricting collaboration in science and technology could hinder global innovation, while China's progress signals a narrowing gap in technological competition with the West.

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