DeepSeek and AI innovation

How Chinese universities broke through the glass ceiling of technological advancement

Authors

  • Ryan Allen Soka University of America, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/10bz2d04

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Chinese Higher Education, DeepSeek,, International Mobility, Global Talent Recruitment, Glass Ceiling

Abstract

This essay[1] explores the DeepSeek AI team and their significant contributions to artificial intelligence. Drawing upon the author's expertise in Chinese higher education and global talent recruitment, the analysis challenges the prevailing narrative that technological innovations in China rely on overseas returnees. By analyzing online bios, the essay reveals that most of the DeepSeek team and their advisors were educated in China, illustrating how Chinese universities have advanced beyond the so-called "Glass Ceiling" in cutting-edge technological research. This breakthrough exemplifies the growing capacity of Chinese institutions to foster homegrown innovation in AI.

[1] This essay was adapted from a piece originally published on the College Towns website

Author Biography

  • Ryan Allen, Soka University of America, USA

    Ryan M. ALLEN, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Comparative and International Education and Leadership at the Graduate School, Soka University of America. His research centers on internationalization of higher education, EdTech, intersections between education and urbanism, and the East Asian region.  Email: ryallen@soka.edu.

Additional Files

Published

2025-02-17

Issue

Vol. 6 (2025): American Journal of STEM Education: Issues and Perspectives

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Allen, R. (2025). DeepSeek and AI innovation : How Chinese universities broke through the glass ceiling of technological advancement. American Journal of STEM Education, 6, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.32674/10bz2d04