Insights · April 27th, 2026
This image for this article has been a mainstay in my keynotes for the past 4 years. The shuffling for global economic power and a likely state for the mid-2030s.
Now we see that China has taken the #1 position from the US.
At a conference 2 yrs ago a well-known economist said US innovates, China replicates and Germany regulates BUT now China takes the lead…
New OECD data shows China’s gross domestic expenditure on R&D hit $1.03 trillion in 2024, edging out the U.S. at $1.01 trillion—both crossing the $1 trillion mark as worldwide spending reached $3.8 trillion. China’s spending grew 9.7% that year, nearly triple the U.S. rate, with a clearer lead when adjusted for purchasing power parity.
While the U.S. holds advantages in GDP share, high-impact research, and innovation influence, China’s surge in fields like AI and biotech signals its rise as a scientific powerhouse.
The way the world works is being defined from China to Europe – water, energy, food, tech, peace (for those that believe in it), and more.
Read more in the OECD report here.
About Nikolas Badminton
Nikolas Badminton is the Chief Futurist & Hope Engineer at futurist.com. He’s a world-renowned futurist keynote speaker, consultant, author, media producer, and executive advisor that has spoken to, and worked with, over 500 of the world’s most impactful organizations and governments.
Please contact futurist speaker and consultant Nikolas Badminton to discuss your engagement.
