China is increasingly moving to the center of European debates - particularly when it comes to technological innovation and economic dynamism. Through strategic planning and targeted support, the country has propelled itself to the forefront of key future technologies within just a few years. In its new Five-Year Plan, China continues to focus on scaling these technologies and expanding their application into entirely new fields.

The two sinologists Lia Musitz and Doris Vogl regularly provide policy recommendations to various institutions both on national and EU level. They offered exclusive insights into their latest research on China’s economic and labour landscape. They presented a mapping of the Chinese innovation system as well as the current state of emerging technologies such as humanoid robotics and brain-computer interfaces (BCI). In addition, they explored how trade unions and the public in China are responding to rapid technological advancements. The presentation was followeded by comments from Aída Ponce Del Castillo, Senior Researcher at the European Trade Union Institute.

Throughout the evening, we addressed the following key questions:
 

• Does rapid innovation require strong state involvement?
• What does it mean for people when AI-driven robots enter the workplace?
• And above all: What conclusions can Europe draw from these rapid developments in China, and what insights can be gained from the perspective of workers?

Attendees had the opportunity to explore the two related studies on site, with digital access provided via QR code.

The event was held in English, followed by a reception with a buffet.

For more information, please send an email to office@akeuropa.eu