Geotech in the early biden administration

Over the past two years, the CSPC Geotech project has explored the growing and active competition between open societies and authoritarian regimes for leadership in advanced technologies vital for national security and economic prosperity. Unlike the Cold War, this competition is marked by the economic interdependence of a globalized world. Furthermore, in contrast to the Cold War, there is no longer the guarantee that the United States and its allies will maintain their technological edge. Instead, this is a period of great power competition, where commercial, security, and values-based factors weigh on our approach to competitors, adversaries, and even allies. Facing this challenge as they take office, the Biden administration has moved quickly to address Geotech issues and the competition with China and Russia.

In this report, we first examine the latest actions of these two main competitors and the context provided for the early steps by the Biden administration. This report then looks at some of the key players in the Biden administration’s Geotech team, and how their past professional and academic work—as well as statements during the nominating and confirmation process—can inform us about future Geotech policy in this administration. Following the overview of personnel, the report turns to the early steps undertaken by the administration on Geotech—with particular attention to the February 24, 2021, Executive Order launching a review of strategic supply chains and their vulnerabilities. The report concludes with a look ahead towards prospects for cooperation with allies on Geotech issues, particularly as they maintain the preceding administration’s tough approach to China with the contrast of a defter touch with allies.

What is clear from the initial steps of the Biden administration—as well as growing bipartisan consensus on Geotech issues on Capitol Hill—is that the United States is moving through the phase of beginning to recognize the Geotech challenge. Now, the emphasis is on building the structures, lines of authority, and institutional capacity to craft and execute needed policies. At a time when the tech industry finds itself in the crosshairs of political opprobrium and public opinion, a key challenge is bridging the gap between government and the private sector to balance the aforementioned goals of growing businesses for jobs and innovation, securing key technologies, and ensuring that U.S. and allied values are reflected in our technology, its use, and its standards.

Alone, the Geotech challenge would be immense—the shortage currently experienced in the semiconductor supply chains demonstrates the dynamic challenge of Geotech—but this competition also comes while policymakers confront truly unprecedented challenges: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery; addressing U.S inequity and inequality; and our politics following the Trump administration, falsehoods about the 2020 election, and the January 6th insurrection. The collapse of the electric grid in Texas also reminds Americans that the most advanced technology is a moot point when the foundations of basic infrastructure are hollowed out—as well as the danger when politics seeps into matters of technology, infrastructure, and science. We are also reminded of the importance of technology in keeping us connected to drive commerce, keep us informed, and hold the powerful accountable. Still, the actions of the administration and Congress suggest that the United States is now addressing the Geotech competition—and seeks to work with allies on these vital technological and policy matters. As competitors challenge the United States and its allies, this report will show the next steps on the path to addressing this challenge.