From Research to Policy Impact: The role of scientific advice in policymaking toward the People's Republic of China

In March 2019, the People’s Republic of China has been labelled a partner, competitor, and systemic rival in an EU document. Back in the days, the use of the term “systemic rival” was highly controversial in Europe, let alone China. It started debates among European China experts, and policymakers about what it meant in terms of policymaking and the future of the relations with China.

Half a decade later, the EU and its member states are in the middle of making major adjustments concerning their relationships with Beijing. The Covid-pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the tech and trade war between the US and China have been wake-up calls for European leaders to rethink and adjust the relationship with China. The adjustment takes place in the context of an increasingly complex world. Even though European leaders stipulated the goals, it is still a long way to get there. Europe strives for an open strategic autonomy. Europe wants to derisk, but not de-couple from China. Pursuing ambitious goals, such as decarbonization, requires the cooperation with partners such as China.

Four esteemed senior experts from academia, think tanks and policymaking will share and discuss their views on the role of scientific advice in policymaking toward China.

The event is part of the CHERN Training School entitled “Making results count: Translating independent China research into actionable recommendations”. Next to the trainees, the evening panel will be open to interested PhD students and researchers. The second part of the discussion will actively involve the audience. The set-up will allow for a conversation between the senior experts and the audience to exchange on the future of the interaction between scientific research and policymaking.

Contact

Sébastien Colin, Maître de conférences et directeur de la filière Relations internationales : sebastien.colin@inalco.fr