XINGER WEI: How Do US-China Decoupling Policies Impact AI Technology? [PGR]

This ongoing research examines U.S.-China technological decoupling in the AI field from a policy perspective. It aims to propose systematic methods for measuring decoupling, identifying innovation trajectories post-decoupling, and analysing corporate innovation trends amid escalating decoupling scenarios.

The objectives are threefold: first, to empirically investigate the phenomenon of AI decoupling, which may simultaneously limit global technological spillovers and foster domestic innovation; second, to evaluate the effects of active (China-led) and passive (U.S.-led) decoupling policies on firm innovation performance, addressing the lack of empirical evidence on their impact; and third, to broaden the analysis by emphasizing the role of Green AI, which offers a contrasting dynamic due to its focus on global environmental collaboration.

Unlike the AI field, where decoupling is dominant, the green sector demonstrates the potential for cooperation, as seen in the 2021 U.S.-China Glasgow Declaration, which promotes joint efforts toward climate action. Using AI-related patent data from Orbis IP, the study examines trends through patent citations, joint applications, and assignments. It applies the DiD model to evaluate the influence of decoupling policies on firm innovation performance, offering critical empirical insights into innovation dynamics, global technological competition, and the implications of decoupling policies in U.S.-China relations.

Xinger Wei is a PhD candidate in Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIoIR), University of Manchester. Her research focuses on the intersection of AI technologies and green technological innovation in China's manufacturing sector. Xinger explores patent landscapes to understand the mechanisms behind the co-development of AI and green technologies, to provide insights for future co-governance policies. Currently, she is examining the impact of U.S.-China decoupling policies on AI technology development in both countries.

MCI’s PGR workshops are lunchtime seminars held in person at the Manchester China Institute. They seek to bring together students, faculty, and staff who can best provide feedback as postgraduate researchers develop their ideas. Free lunch will be provided.

The MCI is a listed building and therefore does not have any lifts. Please note that you must use the stairs in order to access the venue and the toilets.

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Host or Publisher The Manchester China Institute