China in Europe Research Network - CHERN (COST Action CA18215)

Project duration: November 2019 – May 2024

Call/Program/Scheme: COST action

Client / Financier: European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST)

Participating institutions: 

Principal investigator (PI): Dr Nana De Graaff (Action Chair), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The role of IEN in the project: IEN is a partner institution

IEN project team (manager/coordinator, team members):

Elena Jovičić (Management Committee member; researcher)
Isidora Beraha (MC substitute member)
Aleksandar Matković (researcher)

Description:

China in Europe Research Network (CHERN) was a COST Action aimed at advancing interdisciplinary research on the evolving economic, political, and societal relations between China and Europe. The project addressed the growing need for systematic analysis of China's presence in Europe, particularly in strategic sectors such as infrastructure, finance, and digital technologies.

The main objective of the Action was to build a pan-European research network, facilitate knowledge exchange, and provide evidence-based insights for academia and policymakers. It brought together more than 400 researchers from over 40 countries through conferences, working groups, training schools, and collaborative research activities.

The methodological approach combined comparative analysis, interdisciplinary perspectives, and empirical research, including case studies, policy analysis, and network-based approaches. Key activities included scientific missions (STSMs), international conferences, workshops, and policy-oriented training.

The project resulted in numerous scientific publications, strengthened international research collaboration, and enhanced institutional visibility. It also contributed to new research initiatives and project proposals, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact in the field of China–Europe studies.

Keywords: China – Europe relations, European Development, Socio-Economic and Political Impact, Sustainable European Policy