Geopolitics of Technology: Is your AI strategy built for a 'performance' race or a 'diffusion' race?

HKGCC Academy . 14 August 2025

Geopolitics of Technology: Is your AI strategy built for a 'performance' race or a 'diffusion' race?

At our recent HKGCC Geopolitical Intelligence Series 3 - Geopolitics of Technology, Dr. Brian Wong provided a masterclass, translating these complex global shifts into actionable strategy for Hong Kong. The session provided leaders with several key frameworks for action:


Deconstruct the "China Playbook": Beyond subsidies, China's tech rise is powered by entrepreneurial local governments (the "Hefei Model," where cities act like venture capitalists to attract tech firms) and intense domestic competition (neijuan or involution, a zero-sum internal race that accelerates innovation).


Navigate AI Strategy Divergence: The US is racing for peak "performance," while China is executing a "diffusion" strategy for mass adoption. Understanding this is critical for allocating resources and anticipating market shifts.


Leverage Hong Kong's "Upstream" Opportunity: Our city's strategic advantage lies not in manufacturing, but in becoming an "upstream" hub for tech finance, R&D, and global AI governance.


Equipping Hong Kong's leaders with the foresight to navigate global shifts is at the heart of our Geopolitical Intelligence Series. We look forward to seeing you at the next session.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR HKGCC Training Academy The Executive Education and Training Arm of HKGCC The HKGCC Training Academy is dedicated to advancing Hong Kong's business landscape through continuous executive education. By combining over 30 years of training excellence with cutting-edge innovation, we equip leaders and organizations with the skills, purpose, and community connections needed to thrive in the modern economy.

About the author

HKGCC Academy

The Executive Education and Training Arm of HKGCC

The HKGCC Academy is dedicated to advancing Hong Kong's business landscape through continuous executive education. By combining over 30 years of training excellence with cutting-edge innovation, we equip leaders and organizations with the skills, purpose, and community connections needed to thrive in the modern economy.