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Description

This commentary analyzes the emigration and remote collaboration of U.S.-trained scientists with China and assesses the strategic implications for Beijing’s dual-use research and development ecosystem. The authors argue that the transfer of scientific talent in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, synthetic biology, and neurotechnology strengthens China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy and accelerates both non-kinetic and kinetic capabilities. At the same time, patterns of talent migration and collaboration can serve as indicators of China’s technological priorities, doctrinal shifts, and defense development timelines. The article proposes a balanced U.S. response that combines improved domestic talent retention, refined vetting of international partnerships, and AI-enabled monitoring of research networks to better anticipate and shape strategic competition in emerging science and technology domains.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Strategic Competition, Emerging Science and Technologies, National Security

Region(s)

China, United States

Publication Date

6-24-2025

Keywords

scientific brain drain, U.S.–China competition, dual-use technology, Military-Civil Fusion, technology transfer, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, synthetic biology, neurotechnology, research security, talent migration, strategic competition, defense innovation, export controls, science and technology policy

Brain Scanning: Assessing Emigration of U.S. Scientific Talent to Surveille Strategic Implications for China’s Dual-Use Technological Capabilities

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