A new global index has been launched to assess how 25 countries play in five technological sectors: AI, biotechnology, semiconductors, space and quantum. India lags behind the first three – USA, China and Europe – in most technological industries.
The critical and developing technology index developed by public and commercial data allows the creators of the policy creators to explore the relative strengths and weaknesses of each country in these sectors.
In order to reflect strategic significance, the industry was allocated: semiconductors (35%), AI (25%), biotechnology (20%), space (15%) and quantum (5%). They were based on six criteria, such as geopolitical meaning and potential with dual use. The graph shows the overall score of the index of all countries. India with a score of 15.2 is under France and above Russia, Canada and Australia.
The US leads in all five sectors, powered by deep investments, a strong research force and a decentralized innovation ecosystem covering the government, the academic community and industry. Its dominance is the most significant in AI, semiconductors and space.
China closes a gap, especially in biotechnology and quantum. China is supported by centralized planning, scope and state -kept investment. He still delays semiconductors and advanced AI due to dependence on foreign instruments and weaker private research.
Europe is in third place and shows strength in biotechnology and quantum, but lags behind in semiconductors and space.
American partnerships with Europe, Japan and South Korea increase its position, especially in quantum and chips. However, no country has full control over a semiconductor supply chain. While the US has a clear lead in AI, China’s advantage in data and talents, along with the breakthroughs of the model, signals a tightening race.
The graph also shows the individual score of each country in these sectors. AI analysis is based on eight pillars, while the highest weight is provided by financing and talent. Technical factors such as algorithms, computing power and data are also played a key role, while regulation and global influence are included with lower weight. The US leads a huge margin followed by China and Europe.
Biotechnology analysis is based on nine pillars, while the highest weight is provided to human capital, financing and basic abilities such as pharmaceutical production, genetic engineering and vaccine research.
The semiconductor analysis uses eight pillars, with the highest weight given by the design of chips, financing, talent and production. Other factors such as equipment, materials and regulations are weighed lower because they play supportive roles. Tai -wan, Japan and South Korea are higher than in Europe in this indicator.
The universe analysis is based on 10 pillars, with the highest weight dedicated to financing, talent and defensive assets. Key operating areas, such as the ability to start, navigation and telecommunications, are weighed slightly lower, while global influence and regulation receive the least weight. Russia is located in this indicator the third and India seventh.
The quantum analysis uses eight pillars, with the highest weight of funding, talent and basic technology. Politics, global influence and security are weighed lower.
Graph data has been obtained from the “critical and developing technology” index published by Harvard Kennedy School – Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Published – June 25, 2025 07:00
