USA (Washington Insider Magazine)— Arati Prabhakar, who now serves as the White House’s top technology official, has outlined a significant shift in U.S. policy towards China. With a background in defence, she represents a departure from previous civilian-oriented appointees. This change signals Washington’s new hard-line stance on China amid rising technological competition.
Background and Early Career
Prabhakar’s career began with the development of a self-piloting ship for a secretive U.S. military research agency. Her expertise in semiconductor research is a rare asset among senior policymakers, making her instrumental in the Biden administration’s extensive industrial policy initiatives. These initiatives aim to retain the United States’ technological edge over China, with a particular focus on semiconductor, according to Washingtonpost.
Policy Reversal and Industrial Push
The United States welcomed globalization for many years, believing it would gain the most from this connected globe. China’s quick technical development, however, has called into question this notion, leading to a broad policy reversal. “We had an oversimplified model for a long time,” Prabhakar told The Washington Post, explaining that the previous reliance on markets and globalization to solve all problems was flawed.
The administration’s approach is considered the largest industrial policy push since World War II, with comparisons made to the creation of the interstate highway system in the 1950s. Kevin Wolf, a former assistant commerce secretary, highlighted that the current technology export controls against China are the strictest in recent memory, viewing China’s ability to produce advanced computing systems as a direct national security threat.
Strategic Initiatives and International Cooperation
Appointed in 2022, Prabhakar is assigned to accelerating U.S. innovation in critical technologies such as semiconductors, telecommunications, and quantum computing, while also reducing research connections to China without inducing racial profiling. Recognizing that these efforts may take decades, similar to the Cold War, her team is already working to secure commitments from allied nations to support U.S. wireless technologies over China’s for the upcoming 6G generation.
Challenges and Long-Term Vision
Prabhakar’s office, located in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, is focused on developing a long-term research and development strategy. This includes quantum computing, cancer treatment, and maximizing radio spectrum for emerging technologies. The Biden administration’s industrial policy efforts are supported by $52 billion in funding from the bipartisan Chips and Science Act.
Ken Zita, a telecom expert, noted that Washington is transitioning from having no industrial policy to implementing one. Despite the complexities and delays in finalizing regulations, Prabhakar emphasized the importance of respecting individual rights and avoiding anti-Asian bias in the process.
Global and Domestic Reactions
The Biden administration’s stringent export controls and industrial policies have faced skepticism both domestically and internationally. Some foreign governments perceive these measures as trade protectionism rather than national security necessities. Domestically, there are concerns about the dispersal of grants for technological hubs being too widespread.
Prabhakar defended her actions by arguing that they are part of a well-balanced plan to preserve US competitiveness and global involvement. Declaring, “It’s important to say that this is a carefully calibrated strategy,” the speaker emphasized the administration’s resolve to collaborate with partners and allies around the world.
As the U.S. navigates its technological rivalry with China, Prabhakar’s role underscores a critical shift in policy and strategy. Her defense background and technical expertise are pivotal in crafting measures aimed at maintaining and extending U.S. technological leadership in a rapidly evolving global landscape.