One focus of the HNC³ is to sensitize and train doctoral and early career researchers as well as other actors in the participating institutions, e.g., in administration. This will involve a series of workshops and training opportunities as well as the development of training material. We aim to increase China-related skills among the target groups, efficiently and sustainably, and sensitize them to the opportunities and risks of cooperating with Chinese partners. Ultimately, the target groups should be in a position to better evaluate and implement cooperation from the outset.
Activities are grouped into key categories: dealing with limits to academic freedom; managing knowledge exchange; preventing unwanted flow of information; protecting copyrights and patents; problems in military use of research (data)—dual use; generally pursuing sound (legally and otherwise) cooperation; recognizing and preventing political influence.
Due to geopolitical and domestic developments in China, questions about cooperating with China now play an even more important role. Thus, the HNC³ Network is focusing more strongly on aspects of legal certainty (compliance) in cooperation with China and examining and building upon existing processes and review procedures. Moreover, we will look at legal developments in the People’s Republic of China, such as laws on protecting personal data and national security, and develop practical courses of action for the HNC³ Network target groups.
Due to Hamburg’s many higher education institutions with expertise on China, foremost efforts will involve links to Chinese-related issues and different profiles for dealing with Chinese cooperation partners. The HNC³ partners are working closely with one another and with regional stakeholders in the economic, political, and civic arenas to lay the groundwork for navigating German-Chinese relations in rough waters.