Trend analysis China

Important results from the project

The purpose of the project has been to investigate the needs and scientific strengths of Swedish universities / research actors in their collaborations with Chinese research partners. The analysis has been conducted on two levels. First, an overall analysis of China´s research policy and collaborations with Swedish research actors has been mapped. Subsequently, the needs and strategies of Swedish higher education institutions regarding collaborations with Chinese research actors have been analyzed. Both parts of the analysis have been conducted and summarized in reports.

Expected long term effects

The results from the study showed that Swedish universities are increasing their collaborations with Chinese research actors. This increase is mainly seen in science, medicine and technology. In other areas such as the humanities and social sciences, conditions for collaborations have deteriorated. At a strategic level, Swedish higher education institutions find it difficult to find a balance between the scientific opportunities that collaborations with Chinese actors create and the challenges that are found in areas such as ethics, democracy and reciprocity.

Approach and implementation

The study was conducted using a mixed method. Methods such as bibliometric analysis, interviews, document analysis and focus groups have been used. Discussions with research funders, university managements and researchers have been the main basis for the qualitative material. All data collection took place in parallel and meetings with various stakeholders during the project took place to discuss results.