SPICE interviews with European ICT researchers active in China provide insights into existing collaborations and lessons learned. Most ICT companies started R&D co-operation after the year 2000. While companies mostly engage in applied research, application oriented research and application development, university researchers target basic and applied research. Research activities are strongly driven by the objective to gain market and customer access. EU ICT industry utilizes RTD collaboration to improve insights into Chinese markets and technologies. Naturally, access tohuman resources is another key driver of co-operation.
Astrong motivation for RTD co-operation with China is improved access to standardization activities. ICT standardization is key when it comes to accessing Chinese markets in many fields such as RFID or telecom. Gaining access to technology and funding are believed to be major objectives on the Chinese side.
European research actors ask for better and more standardized co-operation standards. This includes IPR, but also concerns contracts, cultural aspects, and language barriers. While many Chinese have developed a good understanding of EU policies and procedures, European insights into Chinese processes are still weak. To improve this, European actors ask for more staff exchanges and sharing of experiences. Few or no collaborative projects have received Chinese funding and IPR issues in such cases are particularly challenging.
Although many researchers changed their objectives in the course of collaboration, most will continue ICT RTD in China. Several actors argue that going to China is not a one-way road and important opportunities exist for Europe as a place for ICT research and production.
SPICE has analyzed current research areas in ICT concerning their strategic potential. The analysis is based on domestic and international markets, R&D potential, China’s policies, existing partnerships, and other factors. Based on this analysis, the following topics are of particular strategic interest for future ICT research and development collaboration of the EU with China:
Nanotechnology
Chinese priority topic and a large number of patents.
IT Security
Huge development potential despite of some restrictions for co-operation
RFID
The world’s largest RFID market by value. Topic included in the 5-year plan.
Mobile and wireless
One of the hottest ICT areas in China strongly pulling RTD, excellent research base.
Distributed systems
Solid co-operation with the EU in GRID technologies. Significant Chinese funding.
Energy efficiency
A key concern for China with strong government support. Research to be developed.
Embedded system
Market is on a rapid growth track with good potential for joint RTD.
Microelectronic
Government encourages RTD co-operation, IC industry included in 5-year plan.
Medical informatics
In 5-10 years, second largest medical market. Strong support for medical systems RTD.