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CKGSB's Insights on China's Dominance in the AI Race

On July 1, 2025, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) launched a noteworthy white paper titled China and the Global AI Race. This comprehensive report sheds light on how China is poised to play a pivotal role in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), utilizing its distinct advantages in manufacturing, data resources, and a thriving startup ecosystem. As Dean Li Haitao of CKGSB points out, "AI is no longer just a sector – it is the architecture of a new global economy… And China's role in this transition is increasingly strategic."

Unpacking the AI Strategy

The report is an extensive analysis that dives into China's AI strategy across four critical dimensions: the open-source revolution, workforce transformation, intelligent robotics, and the development of an AI ecosystem. Each aspect is examined thoroughly, offering valuable insights into how China is advancing in this competitive landscape.

The significant impact of open-source AI is one of the report's focal points. It highlights the introduction of the DeepSeek R1 model, recognized for its remarkable performance at a fraction of the typical hardware costs. This innovation has the potential to shift the dynamics of the ongoing tech dispute between the U.S. and China. Professor Teng Bingsheng of CKGSB addresses this possibility, stating, "China may not have to fight a chip war to the same extent… Companies will use engineering innovations to get around computational capacity, and that is a great opportunity."

The Human Element in AI Transformation

The white paper emphasizes the human aspect of AI integration as well, describing how it reshapes leadership roles and workforce demands. Rather than eliminating jobs, AI is anticipated to generate a need for new skills. The report introduces the concept of "AI Architects," a new breed of business leaders tasked with seamlessly integrating intelligence into their organizations. CKGSB’s Dean's Distinguished Chair Professor of Information Systems, Sun Tianshu, articulates this shift: "The challenge is no longer about access to intelligence, but about how to integrate it effectively."

Robotics: A Future Growth Frontier

Moreover, the discussion extends into robotics, identified as a crucial area for future growth in the AI sector. Sun Tianshu notes, "The physical world will become the space of highest potential for AI development in the next few years." Supporting this perspective, CKGSB alumnus and Chairman of Jaka Robotics Co., Li Mingyang, affirms that China possesses an advanced smart vehicle sector, aptly suited for mass production of vital robotics components.

Charting China's Future in AI

Ultimately, the insights gleaned from CKGSB’s report illustrate that China is not merely a contestant in the global AI race; it is strategically charting its future. The paper serves as an essential resource, particularly for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in grasping the trajectory of 21st-century technology and the shifting landscape of economic power.

The complete white paper is readily accessible for download on the CKGSB official website, providing a detailed exploration for those invested in the future of AI and its implications on a global scale. To read in-depth and gain a more nuanced understanding of the contents of the white paper, visit CKGSB's official website.

This groundbreaking report is a captivating reflection of how emerging technologies will shape not only economic landscapes but also the fabric of societal transformation worldwide. The implications of China's strategic positioning in the AI domain will undoubtedly influence future trends and global competitive dynamics for years to come.