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.

Emerson Johnston and Amy Zegart, “Policy Implications of the DeepSeek AI Talent Base.” Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), May 2025. Read here

A companion piece to the Hoover Institution white paper, this article distills the core policy takeaways for U.S. decision-makers. It emphasizes the strategic relevance of talent development pipelines, the shifting landscape of global AI expertise, and the importance of long-term investment in domestic research ecosystems.

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

  • TipRanks, “U.S. Tech Risks Losing AI ‘Brains Race’ With China as American Dream Fades,” April 30, 2025. Read article

  • Chosun Biz, “54% of DeepSeek AI Researchers Trained Only in China Raises Concern for US Technology,” May 2, 2025. Read article

  • Semafor “Reports: US losing edge in AI talent pool,” May 2, 2025. Read article

  • The Decoder, “US Think Tank Warns of Reverse Brain Drain in China’s AI Sector,” May 6, 2025. Read article

  • Bloomberg Opinion, “Can China Compete in the AI Talent War?” July 9, 2025. Read article

  • Wall Street Journal, “How China Is Girding for an AI Battle With the U.S.,” July 28, 2025. Read article