Reference
The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) has worked in close cooperation with the Leiden Asia Centre (LAC) on an extensive study mapping the risks and challenges of academic and research collaboration with Chinese partners. To this end, the LAC and HCSS conducted over 40 interviews with scientists and university staff in the Netherlands and abroad who have first-hand experience of working with China. Research was also conducted in Poland, Germany and Denmark, and various Chinese researchers were interviewed. Besides at academic institutions, inquiries were pursued at Brainport Eindhoven and among the Dutch security services. An extensive literature review was also carried out. The outcomes of the HCSS/LAC joint study include the checklist below, which is designed to support policymakers and decision-makers involved in potential or actual cooperation with Chinese universities and other research institutions by helping them to assess the risks and potential limitations. The aim is not to discourage cooperation but rather to enhance its added value for the Netherlands. In general, Chinese counterparts will have asked themselves similar questions as a means of shaping partnerships in line with their own ideas.