Dr. Rafael Marrero, Founder, Chief Economist, and CEO of MSI²
The technological competition between the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) currently poses a direct strategic threat to our national security and our economy. The PRC has systematically prioritized the acquisition of advanced technologies in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems for military and mass surveillance purposes. This objective is not neutral: it seeks to surpass and eventually displace the United States as a global leader in critical sectors.
The FBI and the U.S. intelligence community have consistently documented instances of systematic theft of intellectual property (IP) by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), affecting everything from high-tech companies to university research. In particular, top-tier academic institutions like Stanford University, the alma mater of this author, have been targeted for espionage by agents linked to the PRC due to their central role in the development of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies for the U.S. government. The recent espionage scandal at Stanford clearly illustrates how the PRC directs its operations toward the most strategic innovation centers in the United States. According to reports from the FBI and the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), these economic espionage operations represent estimated annual losses of over $600 billion for the U.S. economy, impacting jobs, innovation, and technological leadership.
To counter these threats, the United States has strengthened key regulations, including:
ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations): controls the export of items, software, and technology for military use, ensuring that they do not fall into the hands of hostile actors.
Export Administration Regulations (EAR): protects dual-use technologies, from semiconductors to advanced software, establishing strict licenses for international transfers.
Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS): reviews foreign investments to prevent acquisitions that may compromise national security.
Historically, the enforcement of these regulations has not always been rigorous. Today, compliance is essential to protect our intellectual property, our supply chains, and U.S. technological advantage. Any negligence facilitates hostile actors, such as the PRC, acquiring critical knowledge through espionage or indirect acquisitions, jeopardizing our economic sovereignty and national defense.
An “America-First” policy is indispensable: we must prioritize investment in domestic research and development, protect IP, and restrict technology transfers to hostile actors. Each critical sector—from advanced manufacturing to artificial intelligence—requires rigorous oversight and immediate coordination with the relevant federal agencies. Only in this way will the United States maintain its global leadership, protecting its security, innovation, and economic prosperity against the strategic aggression of the PRC.
Dr. Rafael Marrero is the founder and CEO of Rafael Marrero & Company and has examined, registered, managed, and certified thousands of SBA small businesses in the public sector. With 35 years of experience in his field and a graduate of Stanford and Cornell Universities, he is a leading national expert in public and private sector procurement, supply chain, small business contracting programs, project/program management and suppliers, contractor marketing, and strategic communication. He is a nationally recognized authority in his sector. His proven track record as an expert in subcontractor management is evidenced by his role as corporate vice president of MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), a Fortune 500 company specializing in telecommunications, energy, and construction. He successfully managed a network of more than 700 subcontractors and suppliers nationwide, overseeing projects worth $1.5 billion for the company, with a value of $13 billion.
Dr. Marrero's unique insights have also earned him recognition as a bestselling author. He is the brain behind two Amazon bestsellers, including "Uncle Sam's Secret Sauce," the pioneering guide in Spanish on public procurement and entrepreneurship in the federal sector. Beyond print media, he has established himself as a reference in media outlets. Throughout his extensive career, he also distinguished himself as the program manager for Latin America at By Light Professional IT Services, a key player in project management for the United States Department of Defense (DoD).
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