MERICS studies China's technology development with the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Berlin, September 26, 2024. The Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) has launched a new project: The China Tech Observatory (CTO) is conducting a long-term study of China’s development in selected critical technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum technology. The observations of the MERICS researchers will be available to all interested parties on the project website as of this fall.

The China Tech Observatory was launched on September 26 on the MERICS website. The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research with around EUR 460,000, is slated to run for three years. The aim is to analyze China's rapid progress in becoming an influential science and technology nation. The People's Republic is investing considerable resources in expanding its technological expertise and becoming a pioneer in future technologies. The project focuses on six key topics: Artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, green technologies, digital connectivity, biotechnology and quantum technology.

"China is increasingly becoming a competitor and systemic rival in science and research. We should not be naive in our dealings with the country. In Germany, academic freedom is protected by the constitution," says Bettina Stark-Watzinger, German Federal Minister for Education and Research. "Universities and scientific institutions are aware of their responsibility to uphold it. With MERICS’ China Tech Observatory, we are providing the scientific community with an important tool to better understand China's progress in key technologies. The China Tech Observatory enables us to better assess the risks of cooperation with China, especially in areas in which we need to be particularly vigilant about protecting German and European interests."

“The China Tech Observatory provides insights for a better understanding of China’s technological development. This will give domestic and foreign decision makers the information they need to guide their research and investment projects,” says MERICS Executive Director Mikko Huotari. “We are proud that we could gain the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research for this important project. We look forward to the task ahead.”

The new project will research the development of critical technologies in China and their impact on Germany and Europe. The next few years will be decisive for keeping Germany and Europe attractive as a place for innovation amid technological competition with China. With the China Tech Observatory, MERICS aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of China's efforts in future technologies. It will provide an indispensable basis for decisions in areas of innovation where cooperation with China still makes sense and good European responses to technological competition with China are needed.

The findings of the China Tech Observatory will be posted on a regularly updated (English-language) platform on the MERICS website with graphics, brief analyses and content on the key topics. A regular newsletter will provide information on current developments. The first issue will be published today.  

As it has become more difficult for researchers to gain access to information from China in recent years, networking is also an important part of the China Tech Observatory. Interdisciplinary workshops will bring together researchers from the natural and social sciences, and an annual data conference will bring together researchers in data-driven analysis on China.

An interdisciplinary, five-member project team at MERICS will bring the China Tech Observatory to life in the coming years:

• Project lead Antonia Hmaidi, Senior Analyst, is researching China's drive for technological independence, particularly in semiconductors, operating systems and internet infrastructure.
• Dr. Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau, program manager in the MERICS team for science, technology and innovation, focuses on the topics of biotechnology and quantum technology.
• Computer scientist Wendy Chang highlights China's capabilities in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and green technologies.
• Rebecca Arcesati, Lead Analyst, focuses on the regulation of artificial intelligence and internet and communications technologies.
• Alexander Brown, Senior Analyst, uses his in-depth knowledge of China's industrial policy to analyze China's progress in biotechnology and green technologies.
• François Chimits, Senior Economist, supports the project team with data analysis.

You can find the MERICS China Tech Observatory here. 

For more information and interview requests to our experts, please reach out to the MERICS communications team at [email protected]. 

The MERICS China Tech Observatory is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.