The Economics Show: China wanted western tech. Now, the tables have turned.
Summary
Host Samaya Keynes interviews LSE’s John Minnick on whether the West should adopt China’s technology transfer policies to counter its industrial rise. They analyze how China used joint ventures and local content rules to master sectors like high-speed rail and wind energy, while facing limits in complex fields like aviation. The discussion evaluates if Europe and the US can replicate this strategy, noting challenges like regulatory fragmentation and security concerns.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The Economic Show and China's rise
Evaluating China's technology transfer model
EU policy debates and the IAA
US trade war rationale: IP theft vs trade balance
Historical context: US, Japan, and Korea
Trading market access for technology
Post-WTO indigenous innovation strategy
Case study: High-speed rail development
Case study: Wind power and local content rules
Automotive industry: Failures and successes
Aviation: C919 and partnerships with Airbus/GE
Semiconductors: Constraints of global supply chains
Foreign firm leverage and the Apple case
The 'Catfish Effect': Tesla and Qualcomm
Lessons for European policymakers
US strategic competition and export controls
Risks of deterring investment
Conclusion and final thoughts
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