Tsinghua University has filed over 4,986 AI and machine learning patents from 2005 to the end of 2024, surpassing the combined total of MIT, Stanford, Princeton, and Harvard. This achievement is highlighted by the LexisNexis data, which shows that China now accounts for more than half of all active patent families in AI and machine learning globally. The data underscores a significant shift in the balance of technological leadership, with China demonstrating a strong commitment to advancements in artificial intelligence. However, U.S. institutions still hold the most influential AI patents and the top-performing models, as per the Stanford AI Index Report, which notes that American organizations produced 40 notable AI models in 2024 compared to 15 from Chinese organizations. China’s share of the world’s elite AI researchers has grown from 10% in 2019 to 26% in 2022, according to the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation. This growth suggests that Chinese institutions are not only keeping pace with their international counterparts but are also becoming significant players in the global AI research landscape.
The rise of Tsinghua University in AI patents is particularly noteworthy given the historical dominance of U.S. universities in this field. The university’s research output and patent filings have increased significantly over the past two decades, reflecting a strategic investment in AI technologies. While the U.S. remains a leader in influential patents and high-impact models, China’s ability to produce a large number of patents highlights its growing role in the AI industry. This dynamic is further reflected in the increasing presence of Chinese researchers in the top 2% of AI experts globally. The competition between the U.S. and China in AI is intensifying, with both countries vying for global leadership in this critical technology. As research and development continue to accelerate, the implications for global technological and economic power dynamics are profound. The shift in AI leadership is expected to influence various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity, as innovations from both nations shape the future of technology.