Utilizing Sea Turtles: A Study of How the Chinese Diaspora is Galvanized For Technology Transfer

Abstract

This thesis examines the question, What factor most effectively enables the People's Republic of China (PRC) to use the Chinese diaspora in the United States and Australia for technology transfer? The thesis investigates three factors: the PRC methods of domestic incentives to returning scientists, the role of overseas organizations, and the coercion of diaspora members. To find which factor is most effective, this thesis first examines how each mechanism is employed legally and illegally in the United States. Next, the thesis applies the same method for Australia. Finally, the thesis compares the findings of the United States and Australia. After comparison, the research identified different factors for the United States and Australia. For the United States, financial incentives currently are the most prevalent factor. For Australia, overseas organizations are the most critical factor leading to technology transfer. The difference in findings is most likely due to a lack of information on the specific technology transfer instances in Australia, or that the PRC has not used the diaspora in Australia to engage in illegal technology transfer. Based on these findings, this thesis recommends that the United States improve its financial incentives to retain top talent from China and that Australia develop better databases and tracking for PRC technology transfer efforts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2023
Accession Number
AD1225648

Entities

People

  • Christopher Y. Yong

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Organizational Psychology.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies