Ironically, according to a study by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) entitled Race to the Horizon -- "U.S. leadership in high technology faces challenges domestically and abroad. This pressure comes from global competitors who share America�s appreciation for the economic, political and social benefits of high tech; and from domestic legislators who would subject parts of the IT industry to burdensome regulation or discriminatory taxation. Foreign nations are willing and able to do what it takes to race ahead of today�s market incumbents and our own lawmakers seem to always rationalize the need for further control � despite the negative impacts this control would have on the industry. Over the next four years the next Administration, the Congress and the states will play a critical role in determining whether the U.S. retains its lead or, through lack of clear vision and halting public policy resolve, allows itself to slip into also ran status."
Technology is a compelling catalyst for economic growth across the globe. Artificial intelligence (AI) rides a seismic wave of transformation in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region — a market bolstered by bold government initiatives, swelling pools of capital, and vibrant tech ambition. The latest IDC analysis sheds light on this dynamic market. Despite a contraction in deal volumes through 2024, total AI venture funding surged to an impressive $15.4 billion — a signal of the region’s resilience and the maturation of its digital-native businesses (DNBs). Asia-Pacific AI Market Development The APAC AI sector’s funding story is not just about headline numbers but also about how and where investments are shifting. Even as the number of deals slowed, the aggregate value of investments climbed, reflecting a preference among investors for fewer but larger, high-potential bets on mature or highly scalable AI enterprises. The information technology sector led the AI investment charge. Top area...