Declining International Research Partnerships Reflect China's New Strategy

China's participation in foreign research collaborations has been progressively decreasing, a trend that is indicative of a more general shift in the country's global academic strategy.

Chinese colleges produced a total of 741,160 publications in 2023, of which 147,951 (20%) entailed cross-border co-authorship, according to data from Clarivate's annual G20 scorecard. This was a decrease from a peak of 27.4% in 2018 and the lowest percentage in the previous ten years.

Co-authorship between Chinese scientists and their foreign counterparts clearly changed, going from 27.4% in 2018 to 20% in 2023. The rapid growth of China's domestic research sector is one of the main causes of this drop. In China, fields such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence have advanced to such an extent that many researchers now choose to work together domestically, where institutional support is strong and resources are plentiful.

Another contributing factor is the geopolitical tension between China and Western nations, particularly the U.S. The rise in trade disputes, concerns over national security, and competition in critical technological areas like quantum computing and semiconductors have led to tighter restrictions on academic partnerships. Policies on both sides have limited access to sensitive technologies and intellectual property, further diminishing opportunities for international collaboration. The U.S.-China tech rivalry, particularly over the semiconductor "chip war," has exemplified the extent to which these tensions impact academic cooperation, as governments increasingly prioritize self-reliance over shared research.

Despite these challenges, some areas continue to benefit from cross-border collaboration. In fields such as climate research, health sciences, and space exploration, partnerships remain active and necessary. For instance, China's contribution to global health initiatives, including pandemic response efforts and drug development, remains significant. Similarly, China's heavy investment in green technologies and environmental research aligns with global goals to combat climate change, making international cooperation essential in these areas.

As China becomes more self-sufficient in research, this shift could have broader implications for global scientific progress. The academic world must now find ways to balance national interests with the need for international collaboration, especially in tackling complex global issues that require collective effort.

Keywords

China international research domestic research geopolitical tensions U.S.-China relations technology competition academic collaboration self-sufficiency global partnerships climate research health sciences

Comments

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Prof. Legesse Adane

02 October, 2024

I personally have no idea about the said collaboration. Me and other colleagues in Hawassa University,Ethiopia, need collaboration in Drug discovery from medicinal plants (for TB, Cancer and HIV/AIDS). Is there such a possibility?
Regards,

Professor Mark Ndubuka Nwohu

03 October, 2024

I will appreciate to collaborate globally with experts on inverters and artificial intelligence in power systems engineering and therefore demand for the contacts of interested experts.

Bryan A Liang

03 October, 2024

This science reality is sad, though it does reflect the inherent political nature of our R&D. First, we need international and particularly cross-strait and ocean collaboration to avoid echo chambers in our own institutions and research culture. In addition, we always gain from a group that has access to literature we do not � for example, in another language. Chinese, Hindi, as well as Romance European languages are out of reach to many. We need to engage in collaboration based on potential progress, not potential political conflict.

Editors have much to do with this. Editors must reach out and find ways to collaborate and coordinate with the relevant global partners based on what they can or have the potential to provide, not insular considerations or, worse yet, politics.

Finally, the scientific community must reach out to the general public and become educators and ambassadors to make the public understand the benefits of science as well as the need for broad participation � across social, political, and knowledge borders.

Solomon Ubani

03 October, 2024

I am certain in the global arena impoverished countries such as China can still participate for its presence in trade. China climate has made green technologies prominent. But it can still incorporate its environment into its technologies. 3D printing and manufacturing mostly use by products of renewable materials. On chip and even advanced technologies can entail reusable cost lowering manufacturing development. It can be involved in new latest technologies with a focus of incorporate renewable technologies.

Dr. Rismen Sinambela

04 October, 2024

While China�s domestic research independence demonstrates the strength and progress of its scientific sector, it can lead to alienation from the global community. The question that can be asked is, will this approach restrict the flow of ideas and innovation across borders? Independence is important, but exclusivity in research can limit access to the diverse perspectives that enrich scientific output.

Dr. Asma Waheed Qureshi

04 October, 2024

Good information about research funding collaboration from China.
China has supported many projects of Global interest. But internal issues of a country are more important to address.
Further, it is more convenient to work within country, if facilities are available. In my opinion, Language barriers across the border also affects research collaboration.

Afrim Tabaku

04 October, 2024

International cooperation in the field of scientific research is very important, for developing countries that have major shortages both in the field of research and in infrastructure. Bilateral and multilateral studies will play a very important role for developing these countries. Studies such as environmental pollution and its impact on human health will also affect the taking measures to reduce pollution from developing countries, as well as improving the health of people living in polluted areas.

Isaac Asuzu

04 October, 2024

Usually scientists publish articles with their oversees collaborators that they worked and interacted with. Opportunities for such collaborations like exchange academic and scholarship programs are strong incentives to make this happen. Our governments, the private sector including NGOs should make more efforts to provide these needed incentives.

Glaoui Hachemi

05 October, 2024

Thank you for sharing the latest post on the ACSE Blog. I found the article, "New Strategy for International Research Partnerships," to be quite insightful, especially in highlighting the shifting dynamics in global academic collaboration.

The analysis of China's evolving research strategy and its focus on self-sufficiency in key areas like biotechnology, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence was particularly thought-provoking. It raises important questions about the future of international research and how geopolitical factors shape the landscape of scientific progress.

I look forward to engaging further with this conversation. Also, I am interested in contributing to the ACSE blog, and I would be happy to discuss potential topics that could add value.

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