Pillar IV: Upgrading the EU’s independent knowledge on China's Science, Technology and Innovation system

Expected Outcome:

Proposals will deliver on the impact of ‘A more strategic, coherent, and evidence-based approach towards cooperation with China in the area of science, technology, and innovation (STI)’. It contributes toward the ERA Structural Policy “Implementing the Global Approach to R&I cooperation”, while taking into account the ERA Action on “Enhancing research security”.

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes:

• Improved understanding and monitoring of China's STI system to support the development of strategic foresight and evidence-based policies, and further bolster the EU’s ecosystem for independent knowledge on contemporary China;
• Innovative interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies are made available to R&I practitioners and policymakers, allowing for improved assessment of critical technology areas where China has achieved or is expected to achieve breakthroughs, and areas where challenges persist;
• A well-connected network of experts on China's STI ecosystem that increase attractiveness for EU researchers, especially young researchers, to pursue research careers on contemporary China.

Scope:

This topic aims to support the creation of new knowledge and strengthen expertise and networks in the EU on China’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) system. It seeks to bolster the EU’s ongoing endeavour to upgrade independent knowledge on contemporary China in Europe^[1], which addresses the need for the EU to understand China on its own terms: not through the lens of external sources, but from its own perspective based on independent EU’s analysis.

This action should bring together think-tanks, universities, research organisations, and expert networks based in eligible countries. Proposals should build on the activities and results of relevant past or ongoing initiatives and projects at European and/or national level^[2]. The selected project is expected to closely coordinate with the European Commission during implementation,

To achieve the expected outcomes, proposals should address the activities outlined below and propose any additional, complementary activities:

• Build a comprehensive framework that facilitates the creation and sharing of knowledge and monitoring of China's STI system. This includes generating new and compiling existing knowledge, tools, and resources on developments in China’s STI policies, legal framework, government structures, narratives, and strategies for international collaborations.
• Develop and test innovative interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies for assessing China’s advancements in critical technology areas (e.g., artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors, quantum, biotechnologies)^[3] and for evaluating their impact on the European economic security, strategic autonomy, and on the EU’s ability to achieve the objectives of the Competitiveness Compass^[4]. Applicants are encouraged to propose foresight exercises to identify new disruptive, emerging technologies beyond those mentioned above.
• Ensure collaboration between EU experts on China and technical experts (e.g., engineers, technology experts, economists, legal experts). Particular attention should be paid to actively involving young EU researchers in project activities.

Expected project duration is up to 3 years without prejudice to a longer duration if justified.

[1] In line with EU priorities, see EU-China – A Strategic Outlook Communication, https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/2019-03/communication-eu-china-a-strategic-outlook.pdf; the European Economic Security Strategy, https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/strategy/strategy-research-and-innovation/europe-world/international-cooperation/strategic-autonomy-and-european-economic-and-research-security_en; Competitiveness Compass https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0030.

[2] For example, projects funded under the topics HORIZON-CL2-2021-TRANSFORMATIONS-01-07, and HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ERA-01-06.

[3] Recommendation on critical technology areas

[4] Objectives in the Competitiveness Compass: Closing the innovation gap; Decarbonising our economy; Reducing dependencies, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0030.