Target groups include administrative staff, established and early career researchers, students, academic staff, as well as individuals interested in starting a business.

The project comprises eight work packages.

Governance, management, and monitoring
As a contact point with proven expertise on China, the Coordination Office at the University of Jena is responsible for ensuring that all measures are implemented and all targets met. Internal and external expert panels will act in a monitoring capacity and provide support by offering advice.

Establishment of a China Competence Platform
Flexible office space will facilitate decentralized networking, knowledge transfer, and exchange with stakeholders in the region — irrespective of the contact point’s location. The establishment of a sustainable knowledge base for the documentation and dissemination of results and examples of good practice is a central component of this project.

Needs analysis for the improvement of China competency
In order to meet the needs and requirements of our target groups, we will conduct surveys and interviews to determine the current situation and existing needs in order to develop customized qualifications and information services.

Potentials and good practice
The project will analyse areas of potential and possible applications focusing on disciplines that are central to building the University’s profile (optics/photonics, sustainability/energy storage etc.) or areas where there is a high level of interaction with Chinese partners. It will establish opportunities for open dialogue and non-public consultation where critical issues can be discussed. Through dialogue, these opportunities will foster an understanding for different ways of thinking and acting and explore the associated opportunities and challenges.

Training and qualifications
We will also develop training modules to develop China competency and pass them on to our network partners using a train-the-trainer approach. These modules will include general training modules directed at all target groups, aim to create cultural awareness in relation to China and provide basic knowledge of the country, language, and culture. They will also explore developments in the fields of research, business, and civil society and cover the ethical and intercultural dimension of cooperation. The project will also (further) develop target-group-specific qualification opportunities tailored to the requirements and needs identified in the survey. In offering training, qualification, and network opportunities, a particular focus will be on early career researchers who will be sensitized to the need to require China competency.

Development of a Strategy on China
At the institutional level, we will establish a Strategy on China as well as develop cooperation guidelines and review processes. We will also support interested regional institutions in the development and implementation of their own strategies.

Knowledge transfer and networks involving the economy, society, and politics
All network partners will contribute to the discourse in various areas of focus at a national and international level. They will actively engage in an intensive exchange within the network of China Centres and through opportunities provided by research alliances. At the institutional level, qualification initiatives will form an integral part of staff development programmes and the curricula for individual subjects. University teachers and graduates will also help to transfer their expertise on China to institutions and businesses in the region.

Public relations and communication
Information on China will be published across various channels. The raising of awareness will focus on different target groups and involve publication in research and for the public.