AI rivalry is normally associated with high-tech computers, computation platforms, and sophisticated AI programs. But a recent study has demonstrated that having talented people is the primary driver behind AI leadership.As the MacroPolo Global AI Talent Tracker reports, China is home to the largest population of leading AI scientists – approximately 38 percent of all elite AI scientists studied have been educated in China.
However, most of these scientists immigrate to other countries, particularly to the US, where about 72 percent of China-educated elite AI scientists now work.Thus, recruiting and retaining skilled AI personnel has become an important element of the global AI competition.
Not only an advantage in technology
The United States enjoys a considerable advantage in terms of AI due to the ability of attracting many of the best AI researchers globally. Nevertheless, such an advantage is unlikely to be permanent.
According to one of the reports, about 38% of all the top AI researchers in the world received their education in China; however, 72% of them work in the United States today. It proves that along with technology and infrastructure, talented researchers play a crucial role in the AI race.
As both the United States and China spend huge amounts of money on AI development and creation of advanced chips, the issue of visa requirements and the movement of AI talent cannot be overlooked as well.
Specialists argue that tighter visa regulations and less cooperation between countries regarding exchanging students can undermine the advantage of the United States in terms of AI.
