On July 7, the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) of Tsinghua University held the 42nd Security and Strategy Seminar titled “The EU Industrial Strategy,” bringing together experts and scholars from Tsinghua University, the Institutes of Science and Development at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development, the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations and Beijing Foreign Studies University. CISS Deputy Director Xiao Qian and Fellow Shi Yan served as the moderators for the framing remarks and panel discussion respectively. Chen Qi, deputy director of CISS, made concluding remarks.

Zhang Feng and Zhao Lu, vice president and associate researcher respectively at the Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, gave the framing speeches, introducing their analysis of the content and initiatives of the EU’s Industry 5.0 based on the think tank double helix methodology, as well as this strategy’s impact on and inspiration for the high-quality development of China’s manufacturing sector. Participants then shared their views on the EU industrial policy, economic and social transition, as well as the trade and technology cooperation between China and the EU.

Panelists believe that amid the industrial revolution and societal adjustments triggered by the technological revolution, the EU is bound to launch a new industrial strategy that focuses on green and digital transition with more emphasis on the circular economy and the betterment of human and society. But Industry 5.0 is still more of a vision than practice. In addition, the bloc’s industrial upgrading and transition still face many obstacles in terms of technology, regulation, finance and autonomy. Panelists suggested that as there is both competition and cooperation between China and EU, both sides should expand their cooperation in green development and strengthen their synergies in digitalization and digital economy.

The event featured Zhang Feng, Vice President and Researcher, Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Song Dawei, former Director, Comprehensive Research Department, Research Office of the State Council and Distinguished Fellow, Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Li Zhe, Researcher and Director, Institute of Science and Technology Systems and Management, Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development; Sun Yanhong, Researcher, Institute of European Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Dong Yifan, Associate Researcher, Institute of European Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations; Kou Kou, Associate Professor, School of German Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University; Zhao Lu, Associate Researcher, Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhu Yongbin, Associate Researcher, Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guo Jingjing, Associate Researcher, Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Xiao Qian, Deputy Director, CISS; Chen Qi, Deputy Director and Professor, CISS; and CISS Fellows Song Bo, Shi Yan, Zhu Rongsheng, Miao Zongming Miao, etc.