Korean media: In two years, China and the US will be on par in scientific research leadership!

On November 29, the Korean media Seoul Economic Daily analyzed that China's leading position in global scientific research is rapidly catching up with the United States, and it is expected to be on par with the United States as early as 2027-2028.

Bloomberg cited a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which found that the proportion of Chinese researchers serving as "project leaders" in Sino-US collaborative papers has risen from 30% in 2010 to 45% in 2023. If this trend continues, it is expected that China will catch up with the United States within 3 to 4 years.

This study, conducted by a research team from Wuhan University in China, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Chicago, used machine learning technology to analyze paper contribution technologies and author data, explaining that the study tracks "scientific strength" to reflect actual research influence, rather than simple paper counts or citation metrics.

The researchers built a model indicating that if the proportion of Sino-US joint research is halved or even completely stopped, China's share of leadership would actually be higher. This is because in such a case, Chinese researchers may increase collaboration with European and Asian researchers instead of American researchers.

The study also states that by 2030, China is expected to reach the same level as the United States in eight of the 11 strategic areas designated by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, and materials.

Bloomberg said: "This study was released at a time when U.S. universities and research institutions are facing financial uncertainty due to the Trump administration's significant cuts in research funding during its second term. Policy changes may further accelerate China's pace of expanding its leading position in the global research field."

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1850124455814153/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.