Hand in Hand - European Networking Event of the Sino-German Innovation Platform

Shortly before the end of the year, the network meeting of the Sino-German Innovation Platform (SGIP) took place in Berlin on December 9th and 10th. This year the focus was on an exchange between the German DCPI expert group and European China experts. Especially since the trade war between China and the United States started, it has become increasingly important for Europe to formulate its own position towards China. All participants, including those from France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden and the United Kingdom agreed on this. Therefore, the experts discussed what challenges they are facing in cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) with China and how Europe should position itself. The meeting emphasized that there are already many good measures and initiatives on national levels in EU countries, but that a common, coordinated European stance is of great importance for the future. A European-Chinese initiative could bundle the different concerns and serve as an information platform for STI activities. The results of the meeting will also be presented to the EU Commission and will serve as recommendations.