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<p>Funding for artificial intelligence (AI) research and development has become a strategic priority in national research agendas worldwide. This study compares the multi-dimensional characteristics of AI-related funded projects in China and the United States&#xa0;(US), the two global leaders in AI development. Based on the incoPat and Sci-Fund databases, as well as text analysis and large language model techniques, we identified the AI technology lifecycle in these two countries and analyzed the characteristics of funding entities, types, and topics of AI-related projects. Results reveal that the US began funding AI projects earlier, while China followed a trajectory of catching up and eventually surpassing the US in the number of funded projects. Regarding funding entities, the US was led by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Defense, while China has shifted from a pattern dominated by the National Natural Science Foundation of China to a more balanced and multi-agency layout. Regarding funding types, both countries prioritize applied research projects. However, the US increased its support for technology commercialization projects in the later stages of the lifecycle, while China placed greater emphasis on fundamental research projects with relatively less investment in commercialization. Regarding funding topics, the US prioritized national security and military applications, while China focused more on healthcare, education, and other areas closely tied to social needs. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the differentiated developmental stages and funding strategies between China and the US.</p>

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How do China and the United States fund artificial intelligence? Multi-dimensional characteristics analysis from the lifecycle perspective

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月22日

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  • Hui Zhang,
  • Zhe Cao,
  • Ying Huang,
  • Lin Zhang

摘要

Funding for artificial intelligence (AI) research and development has become a strategic priority in national research agendas worldwide. This study compares the multi-dimensional characteristics of AI-related funded projects in China and the United States (US), the two global leaders in AI development. Based on the incoPat and Sci-Fund databases, as well as text analysis and large language model techniques, we identified the AI technology lifecycle in these two countries and analyzed the characteristics of funding entities, types, and topics of AI-related projects. Results reveal that the US began funding AI projects earlier, while China followed a trajectory of catching up and eventually surpassing the US in the number of funded projects. Regarding funding entities, the US was led by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Defense, while China has shifted from a pattern dominated by the National Natural Science Foundation of China to a more balanced and multi-agency layout. Regarding funding types, both countries prioritize applied research projects. However, the US increased its support for technology commercialization projects in the later stages of the lifecycle, while China placed greater emphasis on fundamental research projects with relatively less investment in commercialization. Regarding funding topics, the US prioritized national security and military applications, while China focused more on healthcare, education, and other areas closely tied to social needs. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the differentiated developmental stages and funding strategies between China and the US.