Diffusion capacity is a crucial component of a great power’s technological capabilities, and civil-military technology fusion is a representative phenomenon of such diffusion. In the context of great power competition, the United States is actively promoting civil-military technology fusion through its spin-on policy. This policy aims to leverage technologies developed by the commercial sector to enhance U.S. military competitiveness, particularly against the backdrop of declining innovation capabilities within its military R&D departments. The underlying logic of the U.S. spin-on policy includes: prioritizing small businesses and non-traditional defense suppliers as key partners, employing a mix of policy tools as the primary means of implementation, and fostering a risk-taking culture as an intrinsic guiding principle. The U.S. spin-on policy has not only facilitated the entry of commercial technologies into the defense sector but has also driven profound developments within the U.S. defense system. Specific impacts include: enhancing the diversity, vitality, and resilience of the U.S. defense industrial base; strengthening U.S. defense innovation capabilities; accelerating the digital and intelligent transformation of the U.S. military; initiating preliminary shifts in U.S. defense technology philosophy and reshaping its defense technology system; and bolstering U.S. military competitiveness against China. The spin-on policy is expected to continue in the future and may exert an even more significant impact on the strategic competition between the U.S. and China. Additionally, the U.S. approach offers insights for China on how to further advance civil-military technology fusion and deepen its own spin-on effort.

diffusion capacity  /  civil-military technology fusion  /  great power competition  /  spin-on  /  risk-taking culture