Pillar IV: Upgrading the EU’s independent knowledge on China's Science, Technology and Innovation system
Pillar IV: Upgrading the EU’s independent knowledge on China's Science, Technology and Innovation system supports researchers and expert networks studying China’s STI system to inform European policy and cooperation.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: December 8, 2026 (Opening) | March 11, 2027 (Application deadline, 17:00 Brussels time)
Funding Amounts: Around €3 million per project; €3 million total topic budget; expected duration up to 3 years
Summary: Supports interdisciplinary research and expert networks that strengthen Europe’s independent understanding of China’s science, technology and innovation system.
Key Information: Participation is limited to EU Member States, Norway and Iceland, excluding entities controlled by non-eligible countries or entities.
Description
This European Commission Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action supports new knowledge, expertise and networks on China’s science, technology and innovation (STI) system. It aims to make European cooperation with China more strategic, coherent and evidence-based while taking research security into account. The action should bring together think-tanks, universities, research organisations and expert networks to produce independent European analysis.
Projects should develop a framework for creating, sharing and monitoring knowledge about China’s STI policies, legal framework, government structures, narratives and international collaboration strategies. They should test interdisciplinary methods for assessing advances in artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors, quantum and biotechnology, including implications for European economic security, strategic autonomy and competitiveness. Collaboration between China specialists and technical experts, active involvement of young EU researchers, and foresight on emerging disruptive technologies are priorities.
