Dr. Marina Zhang is an esteemed academic and leading authority in technology policy and international innovation systems. She currently serves as Associate Professor at the Australia-China Relations Institute within the University of Technology Sydney, bringing extensive cross-cultural expertise developed through previous appointments at UNSW Australia and Tsinghua University in China. Her distinguished academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in biological science from Peking University, followed by advanced business and research training through an MBA and PhD from Australian National University. This unique interdisciplinary background spanning scientific training, business education, and policy analysis has positioned her at the forefront of understanding global technology dynamics and international innovation ecosystems.
Dr. Zhang's groundbreaking research demystifies China's innovation machine through rigorous analysis of policy frameworks, catch-up strategies, and technological advancement in critical sectors. Her seminal 2022 monograph 'Demystifying China's Innovation Machine: Chaotic Order,' co-authored with Mark Dodgson and David Gann and published by Oxford University Press, has become essential reading for scholars and policymakers seeking to understand China's rapid technological development. Her work systematically examines network effects in digital transformation across strategic industries including semiconductors, biotechnology, and clean energy transition, providing nuanced insights into latecomer nations' pathways to technological leadership. Through her incisive analysis of emerging and disruptive technologies, Dr. Zhang has established herself as a thought leader who bridges academic research with real-world policy implications for global technology governance.
Beyond her scholarly contributions, Dr. Zhang has significant influence in shaping international discourse on technology and geopolitics through regular commentary in major policy forums and global media. She is a frequent contributor to The National Interest, The Diplomat, The Conversation, and the Lowy Institute's Interpreter, where her analyses of U.S.-China technological relations and critical mineral strategies have garnered widespread attention. Her expertise is regularly sought by international media outlets including BBC News and Bloomberg TV for commentary on complex issues at the intersection of technology and international relations. Dr. Zhang continues to advance research on the challenges presented by AI transformation and global energy transition, emphasizing the imperative for diversified and sustainable technological cooperation rather than decoupling in an increasingly interconnected world.
