The Executive Board of the University of Twente has adopted a new strategy for cooperation with Chinese partners and the recruitment of students for the period 2025–2029. This strategy was developed in response to recent developments within Europe and the Netherlands, where knowledge security and geopolitical relations are becoming increasingly important.
The strategy was presented to the University Council for information this month.
Why a new strategy?
Traditionally, the University of Twente has had strong ties with China. Given the above-mentioned issues of knowledge security and geopolitics, staff members have raised questions about the risks of cooperation with China, but also about what is still possible and permissible. The need for a new strategy also coincides with the conclusion of several collaborations and changes in personnel. A new strategy can help us carefully weigh which opportunities we want to pursue and how we deal with the associated risks.
How was the strategy developed?
The development of this strategy considered both internal and external developments. Available data on education and research were included, and discussions were held with various colleagues within UT. An analysis was made of developments at the European, national, and Chinese levels, and policy frameworks on knowledge security were also taken into account.
What does the strategy entail?
UT will continue to cooperate with Chinese partners, within the frameworks of European and national laws and regulations. The focus will be on societal themes where cooperation provides the most significant added value and which are prioritised by the EU and the Netherlands, such as:
- Energy and climate
- Food, water, and agriculture
- Health and healthcare
- Sustainability and biodiversity
Key considerations
- Collaborations in the field of “critical technologies” will be subject to strict controls and longer processing times, due to export and knowledge security legislation.
- UT aims for a broad distribution of partnerships within China and seeks diversification in the intake of students, PhD candidates, and researchers, especially in sensitive technological domains. This is in line with developments such as the Screening Act.
- No cooperation will be undertaken with partners in defence-related domains or universities under military administration.
- In specific cases, UT applies the precautionary principle in situations of ethical or moral concern.
