Eclipsing the West? China's tech titans and the new global power shift

The rise of Asia is reshaping the global economy, challenging long-held assumptions about where economic and technological power resides. What do the emergence of these superstates and the rapid growth of China’s technology sector mean for innovation, trade and the future international order?

Join Sir Vince Cable and Rebecca Fannin for a discussion of the themes explored in their books Eclipsing the West and The New Tech Titans of China. Drawing on decades of experience in economics, policymaking, journalism and technology analysis, they will examine how China and India are transforming the global balance of power and what this means for businesses, governments and societies around the world.

The conversation will explore China’s growing technological ambitions, from AI and advanced manufacturing to digital platforms and innovation ecosystems, alongside India’s rise as a major economic force along with India as a fast-emerging contender. The speakers will consider the opportunities and risks created by these shifts to Asia, including implications for global trade, investment, regulation, climate policy and geopolitical competition.

Meet our speakers and chair

Vince Cable is Professor in Practice in the School of Public Policy at LSE. He was formerly Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills and President of the Board of Trade through the Coalition government. He was been writing about and researching Chinese economic issues as visiting Professor at Shenzhen and Ningbo Universities and as author of The Chinese Conundrum and Eclipsing the West.

Rebecca Fannin is a journalist, author and media entrepreneur specialising in global technology, innovation, and venture capital. She is the founder of Silicon Dragon Ventures, and is the author of six books, including Silicon Heartland, Silicon Dragon, Startup Asia, and Tech Titans of China. She is a contributor to CNBC and Newsweek, and a frequent commentator on business and technology trends.

Richard Davies is an economist and author. He teaches courses on economics and data science in the School of Public Policy at LSE. Richard is the Director of the UK’s Economics Observatory and the LSE’s Growth Co-Lab, a joint project with Harvard University providing advice to governments on inclusive growth. He is the author of Extreme Economies and Making Sense of the Modern Economy.

More about this event

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LSE holds a wide range of events, covering many of the most controversial issues of the day, and speakers at our events may express views that cause offence. The views expressed by speakers at LSE events do not reflect the position or views of the London School of Economics and Political Science.

LSE holds a wide range of events, covering many of the most controversial issues of the day, and speakers at our events may express views that cause offence. The views expressed by speakers at LSE events do not reflect the position or views of the London School of Economics and Political Science.