The Times of India · 23 Oct, 02:18 · Technology briefing

Google’s Ex-CEO Eric Schmidt sees China behind the US in the AI race by at least 6 months, but is still i

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt asserts that China currently trails the United States in the artificial intelligence race by a margin of at least six months.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt asserts that China currently trails the United States in the artificial intelligence race by a margin of at least six months. Despite this perceived gap, he maintains a cautious stance regarding the long-term competitive landscape. This assessment highlights the rapid pace of global technological development and the intensifying geopolitical rivalry over AI supremacy. For professionals, this underscores the critical importance of understanding international AI capabilities and the shifting dynamics of technological leadership in the global market.

Employer demand for Artificial Intelligence skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This assessment signals that the window for establishing a dominant AI advantage is narrowing, making technical fluency and strategic foresight essential for your career. You should prioritise upskilling in core AI competencies to remain relevant as organisations accelerate their adoption strategies. Focus on understanding how AI integrates with business operations, rather than viewing it as a distant trend. Professionals in leadership roles must develop the ability to evaluate AI risks and opportunities objectively. Start by mastering the fundamentals of machine learning applications in your specific sector. Engage with cross-functional teams to identify practical use cases for AI tools. This proactive approach ensures you are positioned to drive innovation, rather than merely reacting to technological shifts. Your value lies in bridging the gap between technical potential and commercial reality.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
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