Tsinghua University has surpassed MIT, Stanford, Princeton, and Harvard combined in AI and machine learning patents between 2005 and the end of 2024, according to data analytics service LexisNexis. The Beijing-based institution has amassed over 4,900 patents in the field, with more than 900 patents recorded in 2024 alone. This significant achievement highlights China’s growing dominance in AI innovation, which now accounts for over half of all active patent families globally in the AI and machine learning sectors.
Despite this milestone, U.S. institutions remain the leading force in influential AI patents and top-performing models, as pointed out by the Stanford AI Index Report. In 2024, American institutions produced 40 notable AI models, compared to just 15 from Chinese organizations. However, the U.S. leads in high-impact patents and top models, which are often seen as more transformative in the field. China’s rise in AI patents is not just a matter of quantity, but also reflects the country’s strategic investment in emerging technologies.
The report also highlights the shift in global AI research talent distribution. The share of the world’s top 2% AI researchers in China has increased from 10% in 2019 to 26% in 2022, while the U.S. share has declined from 35% to 28% during the same period. This shift indicates a growing competition between the U.S. and China in AI research. While the U.S. still holds the most influential AI patents and top models, China’s rapid progress in patent production and research output suggests a more balanced global race in AI innovation.
Experts suggest that the competition between the U.S. and China in AI is likely to intensify in the coming years as both nations continue their strategic investments in emerging technologies. However, while China is making significant strides in AI patent production, the U.S. maintains an edge in the most impactful patents and models, which are often seen as more transformative in the field. The global AI landscape is evolving rapidly, with both nations playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the technology.