The China’s Sci-Tech Development: History & Policy research cluster brings together scholars working on the historical, institutional, and policy dimensions of science and technology development in China. The cluster integrates historical analysis, political economy, and policy research to examine how scientific knowledge, governance practices, and state–society relations have evolved from the late imperial period to the present.
The cluster conducts collaborative, cross-disciplinary research on the formation, circulation, and governance of scientific knowledge in China. Its work examines how scientific paradigms—such as empiricism, experimentation, classification, and innovation—are translated and institutionalised within bureaucratic systems, industrial strategies, and policy frameworks. By linking historical inquiry with contemporary policy analysis, the cluster connects long-term epistemological traditions with present-day governance challenges in science and technology.
The cluster organises regular academic activities, including research seminars, workshops, and invited lectures. These activities support the presentation of work-in-progress, methodological exchange, and dialogue across disciplines and institutions. Cluster events contribute to departmental seminar series and postgraduate research training, strengthening internal research culture while expanding external academic engagement.
The cluster produces a range of collective and individual research outputs. Members collaborate on joint publications and edited research outputs, while also publishing independently in peer-reviewed journals and scholarly presses. In parallel, the cluster supports applications for internal and external research funding and encourages participation in international conferences and collaborative research projects. Through these activities, the cluster enhances research visibility and contributes to wider academic discussions on science and technology governance, innovation policy, and institutional change in China.
Core members:
Geoffrey Chen, Kan Li, Yuxing Liang, Jing Zhu, and Ashton Ng
Research Cluster
China’s Sci-Tech Development: History & Policy
The China’s Sci-Tech Development: History & Policy research cluster brings together scholars working on the historical, institutional, and policy dimensions of science and technology development in China. The cluster integrates historical analysis, political economy, and policy research to examine how scientific knowledge, governance practices, and state–society relations have evolved from the late imperial period to the present.
The cluster conducts collaborative, cross-disciplinary research on the formation, circulation, and governance of scientific knowledge in China. Its work examines how scientific paradigms—such as empiricism, experimentation, classification, and innovation—are translated and institutionalised within bureaucratic systems, industrial strategies, and policy frameworks. By linking historical inquiry with contemporary policy analysis, the cluster connects long-term epistemological traditions with present-day governance challenges in science and technology.
The cluster organises regular academic activities, including research seminars, workshops, and invited lectures. These activities support the presentation of work-in-progress, methodological exchange, and dialogue across disciplines and institutions. Cluster events contribute to departmental seminar series and postgraduate research training, strengthening internal research culture while expanding external academic engagement.
The cluster produces a range of collective and individual research outputs. Members collaborate on joint publications and edited research outputs, while also publishing independently in peer-reviewed journals and scholarly presses. In parallel, the cluster supports applications for internal and external research funding and encourages participation in international conferences and collaborative research projects. Through these activities, the cluster enhances research visibility and contributes to wider academic discussions on science and technology governance, innovation policy, and institutional change in China.
Core members:
Geoffrey Chen, Kan Li, Yuxing Liang, Jing Zhu, and Ashton Ng