Leading artificial intelligence expert Hassan Taher has cautioned that the increasingly competitive AI landscape could create dangerous divisions in global technology development, potentially hampering progress on shared challenges like climate change and healthcare.

“We’re witnessing a fragmentation of the AI ecosystem that could ultimately hurt everyone,” said Taher during an in-depth discussion on the Tech Horizons podcast. “When nations and companies prioritize competitive advantage over collaborative advancement, we risk losing the collective benefits these technologies could provide.”

Taher, who founded the influential consulting firm Taher AI Solutions, has established himself as a bridge-builder in the AI community. His extensive background in cross-industry AI implementation has given him unique insight into how technological competition is reshaping global power dynamics.

The AI consultant referenced recent developments in both American and Chinese AI sectors as evidence of this concerning trend. While Google DeepMind’s CEO Demis Hassabis has predicted artificial general intelligence could be just five to ten years away, China has been rapidly deploying “embodied AI” applications like delivery drones and humanoid robots in everyday settings.

“These parallel developments represent different priorities and approaches,” Taher explained. “The U.S. has traditionally focused on fundamental research and large language models, while China appears to be prioritizing practical applications that address specific economic challenges, particularly their shrinking workforce.”

According to his professional biography, Taher has consulted with organizations across multiple continents, giving him perspective on how these divergent approaches affect global technology development.

The AI expert expressed particular concern about the implications of the DeepSeek breakthrough in China, which reportedly created an AI model performing at the level of leading Western competitors despite using less advanced hardware. This development suggests that export controls and chip restrictions may have limited effectiveness in maintaining technological advantages.

“Rather than viewing this strictly as a race with winners and losers, we should be thinking about complementary strengths,” Taher urged. “Some of the most innovative solutions may emerge from combining approaches.”

Taher, whose career trajectory is documented in his founder profile, began as a specialist in business process AI before expanding into broader societal applications. This evolution has shaped his perspective on the need for international coordination in AI development.

“Safety isn’t just about compliance but about sustainable innovation,” he noted. “A race to the bottom on safety would ultimately undermine public trust and acceptance of these technologies.”

The AI consultant’s comments come at a time of heightened tension in global technology circles. Recent stock market fluctuations following Chinese AI breakthroughs have highlighted investor concerns about shifting technological leadership, while regulatory approaches continue to diverge across major economies.

Taher suggested that his upcoming book on AI and environmental solutions will address these issues of international cooperation. “Many of our global challenges require both technological innovation and international coordination,” he said. “AI could be a powerful tool for addressing climate change, but only if we deploy it thoughtfully and collaboratively.”

Industry observers note that Taher’s balanced perspective has made him increasingly influential as companies navigate complex geopolitical considerations in their AI strategies. His firm’s “ethical by design” approach emphasizes proactive adoption of safety standards regardless of regulatory requirements.

“The most responsible actors in the AI space recognize that safety isn’t just about compliance,” Taher said. “It’s about creating systems that can be trusted to operate reliably across diverse global contexts.”

Taher AI Solutions has recently established an international advisory board with representatives from multiple countries to help clients navigate the increasingly complex global AI landscape.

“Ultimately, the question isn’t whether the U.S. or China will ‘win’ the AI race,” Taher concluded. “It’s whether humanity can harness these powerful technologies to address our shared challenges while managing the risks they present. That requires looking beyond national interests toward global cooperation.”