A Comparative Study of Future Industrial Policies between the United States and India

The ongoing new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is profoundly reshaping the global economic landscape. Future industries, exemplified by artificial intelligence, quantum information, and bio-manufacturing, have become strategic commanding heights in the competition among major powers. Focusing on the United States and India as primary case studies, this paper systematically examines and compares the strategic approaches, policy frameworks, and specific measures of the two nations in developing future industries amidst this technological revolution. Employing literature analysis and case study, the paper first traces the theoretical underpinnings and historical logic of state-driven future industry development. It then analyzes the current strategic deployments of the US and India within key technological domains. The analysis reveals that the US strategy is primarily driven by the imperatives of maintaining technological hegemony and national security, exhibiting “explicit” and “systematized” industrial policy characteristics. Conversely, India pursues economic ascendancy and technological self-reliance, adopting a leapfrogging development path that combines a “smart follower” strategy with leveraging “asymmetric advantages”. The paper concludes by summarizing the differences between the US and Indian development models, alongside their underlying drivers. Finally, it provides strategically relevant reference points and policy insights for China. These insights, spanning the dimensions of top-level design, innovation ecosystems, and international cooperation, aim to assist China in cultivating future industries and enhancing its comprehensive national competitiveness within a complex international environment.