Betting on America: Winning the Global Tech Race

Latest Episodes:

Enabling Research and Innovation: featuring Caltech President Thomas Rosenbaum Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

President Thomas Rosenbaum of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) joins Navin Girishankar on Betting on America to explore why scientific research at U.S. universities is a bedrock of American exceptionalism. Join us for a conversation on how universities can encourage the next generation of researchers, foster scientific breakthroughs, and translate them into real-world applications.

Universities Powering America’s Technology Future featuring Paul Alivisatos May 21, 2025

Show notes

President Paul Alivisatos of the University of Chicago joins Navin Girishankar on Betting on America to discuss the role of universities in the U.S. science, technology, and innovation ecosystem. Tune into this episode for a conversation about how universities power America’s technology future, from basic research to technology commercialization.

This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.

Competing on Biotech with Mayor Randall Woodfin May 07, 2025

Show notes

Randall Woodfin, mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, will join Navin Girishankar on Betting on America to discuss how the city of Birmingham has emerged as a leading hub for U.S. biotechnology innovation by leveraging its strengths in biodata and public-private partnerships -- advancing U.S. competitiveness vis-à-vis China.

This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.

Kokomo's EV Battery Play with Mayor Tyler Moore Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Mayor Tyler Moore of Kokomo, Indiana joins Navin Girishankar on Betting on America to discuss how the city of Kokomo attracted Korean investment to establish components of the EV battery value chain. Tune into this episode for a fascinating conversation on how public investments, public-private partnerships, and cultural outreach have allowed this partnership to thrive.

This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.

How the U.S. Can Seize the Age of Biology featuring Dr. Michelle Rozo Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Michelle Rozo, Vice Chair on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, joins Navin Girishankar on Betting on America to discuss the findings from the Commission’s report to Congress. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on how the biotechnology revolution will change our economy, society, and national security - and the key strategies to counter China's emerging dominance in biotechnology.

A video recording of this podcast episode is available to watch here.

Venture Capital to Win the Tech Race featuring Mike Brown Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

Mike Brown, Partner at Shield Capital and former Director of the Defense Innovation unit, joined Navin Girishankar on this episode of Betting on America to explore the role of venture capital in growing our technological and industrial base, and ensuring our economic security.

Why Quantum is a Must-Win Tech featuring Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a leading voice on U.S. competition with China, joins Navin Girishankar on this episode of Betting on America to discuss strategies and policies–from strategic investment, workforce, and export controls–that the U.S. needs to take the pole position across advanced technologies. Congressman Krishnamoorthi discusses Illinois efforts to become a global leader on quantum technologies.

A Tech Power Playbook for the United States featuring Sen. Todd Young Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Senator Todd Young (R-IN), a national champion of U.S. technology leadership in the global competition with China, joins Navin Girishankar on the Economic Security and Technology Department’s new series: Betting on America. Girishankar and Senator Young discuss a ‘tech power playbook’ for the United States including investments in chipmaking and biotech, tech diplomacy abroad, and the importance of investing in basic research.

Betting on America | Trailer Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Betting on America: Winning the Global Tech Race explores how new and emerging partnerships between government and business are shaping the future of U.S. industrialization and the country’s prospects for winning the global tech race. Betting on America will dive into strategies and investments that government and business are pursuing together – sharing risks and generating returns – as they bet on the innovation, commercialization, and scaling of critical and emerging technologies across the country. These include climate technologies, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, bio technologies, and more. The podcast will feature in-depth discussions with policymakers, experts, and industry leaders on the most complex policy questions of the day.

Hosted by Navin Girishankar, President, CSIS Economic Security & Technology Department