New views of Chinese society
The EU has strong economic and research relationships with China. Hence, the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) called for research proposals aiming to modernise European perspectives on China. With EU funding, the project 'Europe meets China – A broader picture of contemporary China' (EUMECH) addressed various Chinese themes. These included entrepreneurship, impact of reforms, social networks and well-being. Two European partner universities worked with the Renmin (People's) University of China during all of 2012 and 2013. The project yielded seven discussion papers and a number of journal articles. Other outcomes included dissemination activities such as seminars and workshops. EUMECH provided opportunities, including secondments, for mutual benefit. European academics gained a better understanding of Chinese society and its transformations. Chinese researchers benefited from the exchange by learning western methods and perspectives concerning the Chinese labour market. All partner universities gained an expanded research portfolio and networking opportunities. Beyond the project's goals per se, EUMECH also opened opportunities for future research collaboration. Several project proposals with other Chinese agencies have been submitted. The EUMECH project produced collaborative exchanges giving an updated picture of contemporary Chinese society. The work also benefited a list of other stakeholders, including European policymakers, international organisations and the academic community.
Keywords
Society, entrepreneurship, social reforms, well-being, China
