(NewsUSA) - The development of technical standards is an often overlooked, but is an essential element in global technology leadership. The United States must be proactive to develop these standards, in addition to technology research and innovation, to stay ahead of our top competitor, China, according to Ananmay Agarwal, an expert at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

In a recent podcast, Agarwal discussed the need for the U.S. to pay attention to technology standards; although standards are not mandatory, they may be widely adopted and are often incorporated into domestic laws or regulations. Taking the lead in technical standards will ensure that AI and other emerging technologies embody American values and support U.S. interests, Agarwal said.

The U.S. relies on private sector leadership and innovation, with regulations asking agencies to develop consensus standards. Globally, international standards development organizations (SDOs), such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) facilitate development of standards through consensus.

In the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) coordinates federal efforts in developing standards while providing technical expertise, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) oversees compliance with federal standards policy, Agarwal said.

By contrast, China takes a centralized, top-down approach to standards and prioritizes AI, autonomous platforms, robotics, and telecommunications, said Agarwal. “By influencing standards early, China is positioning itself to embed its own technologies and protocols into global standards, giving its companies a competitive edge and ensuring Chinese products are interoperable across global markets,” he said.

During the first Trump administration, the U.S. successfully developed standards on emerging technologies such as post-quantum cryptography and pushed for leadership in AI standards through the American AI Initiative and Executive Order 13859.

During the second Trump administration, continued attention to technology standards is needed, Agarwal said. He urged federal agencies to prioritize collaboration with industry to develop and promote technology standards, and to strengthen partnerships with international allies and international standards bodies. “The United States should offer competing standards to ensure developing countries are not locked into China’s standards,” Agarwal added.

In addition, a proliferation in Chinese-led standards could increase China’s leverage in global supply chains and networks and jeopardize national security by enabling espionage, data theft, and strategic dependencies, said Agarwal.

“The race for standards-setting is about more than just technology; it's about the future of global governance, national security, and economic power,” Agarwal said in his podcast. “By strengthening alliances, enhancing public-private collaboration in strategic areas, and promoting transparent standards, the United States can safeguard its technological leadership and foster a global technological environment that supports innovation, security, and shared prosperity,” he said. 

Visit scsp.ai to learn more.