Publications

Emerson Johnston and Amy Zegart, “A Deep Peek into DeepSeek AI’s Talent and Implications for US Innovation.” Technology Policy Accelerator, Hoover Institution, April 2025. Read here

This white paper investigates the emergence of DeepSeek AI, a Chinese research firm whose rapid advancements in large language models have challenged dominant assumptions about American leadership in frontier AI. In it, we analyze the institutional trajectories and academic records of the over 200 researchers involved in DeepSeek’s foundational work. Our findings reveal a self-sustaining pipeline of highly skilled researchers largely developed within China, with limited long-term reliance on Western institutions. With this in mind, we argue that U.S. policymaking must address not just compute and infrastructure disparities, but the broader erosion of America’s global talent advantage in artificial intelligence.

In the Press

• Washington Times, “Investigation: China’s DeepSeek Finds America Losing Edge in Tech Talent,” April 23, 2025. Read article

• South China Morning Post, “Could Chinese AI Scientists Threaten US Tech Dominance? Study of DeepSeek Team Gives Clues,” April 29, 2025. Read article