Publications

CSET produces evidence-driven analysis in a variety of forms, from informative graphics and translations to expert testimony and published reports. Our key areas of inquiry are the foundations of artificial intelligence — such as talent, data and computational power — as well as how AI can be used in cybersecurity and other national security settings. We also do research on the policy tools that can be used to shape AI’s development and use, and on biotechnology.

Report

CSET’s 2024 Annual Report

Center for Security and Emerging Technology
| March 2025

In 2024, CSET continued to deliver impactful, data-driven analysis at the intersection of emerging technology and security policy. Explore our annual report to discover key research highlights, expert testimony, and new analytical tools — all aimed at shaping informed, strategic decisions around AI and emerging tech.

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Data Brief

U.S. Demand for AI-Related Talent

Autumn Toney and Melissa Flagg
| August 2020

The U.S. government and industry both see artificial intelligence as a pivotal technology for future growth and competitiveness. What skills will be needed to create, integrate, and deploy AI applications? This data brief analyzes market demand for AI-related jobs to determine their educational requirements, dominant sectors, and geographic distribution.

See our translation of a short Chinese official notice from 2011 provides details on China's "Thousand Talents Program," specifically the program's procedures for recruiting and retaining non-Chinese foreign experts who can contribute to China's S&T base.

See our translation outlining a Chinese scholarship program for "self-financed" students who are studying abroad. The scholarship provides as much as $16,000 for a year of overseas study for PhD candidates under the age of 40. The scholarship also includes provisions to keep track of recipients and to aid them in returning to China.

Official data shows a 75 percent increase in the number of U.S. residents advancing through Express Entry, Canada's flagship skilled immigration program. These findings call for immigration reforms and greater investment in STEM research and workforce development.

This 2017 document lists technical positions that the Hefei Institutes of Physical Sciences hoped to fill through talent programs. It is an unusually detailed example of a Chinese research institution’s efforts to recruit foreign scientists.

See our translation of a complete list and description of all Chinese Academy of Science talent recruitment programs. CAS has talent programs primarily targeting young scientists in strategic and emerging disciplines, including defense-related “military-civil fusion” technologies; some are aimed at domestic S&T talent, while others recruit foreign scientists.

See CSET's translation of a document detailing the number and affiliation of CAS-sponsored candidates for China’s “Youth Thousand Talents Program” as of 2011. Under the program, prospective employers such as CAS are responsible for identifying overseas talent they wish to recruit, and must submit applications on behalf of their candidates.

Reports

Immigration Policy and the Global Competition for AI Talent

Tina Huang and Zachary Arnold
| June 2020

Current immigration policies may undermine the historic strength of the United States in attracting and retaining international AI talent. This report examines the immigration policies of four U.S. economic competitor nations—the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Australia—to offer best practices for ensuring future AI competitiveness.

Data Brief

Career Preferences of AI Talent

Catherine Aiken, James Dunham, and Remco Zwetsloot
| June 2020

The United States faces increased international competition for top talent in artificial intelligence, a critical component of the American AI advantage. CSET surveyed recent AI PhDs from U.S. universities, offering insights into the academic and career preferences of the AI workforce.

See our translation of a government-issued white paper describing China’s approach to standards setting for AI. Appendices list all of China’s existing AI standards as of January 2018, as well as those under study, and provide examples of AI applications by leading Chinese tech companies.