In the decades preceding the pandemic, a notable expansion of research collaboration occurred between scientists and research organizations in China and Europe (e.g., Wang and Wang, 2017). However, in recent years, a significant shift has taken place across Europe, including Germany, redirecting the focus towards highlighting potential risks (rather than returns) associated with collaborating with Chinese entities (e.g., Stoff, 2023). This transformation is also related to geopolitical factors, the US-China rivalry, Covid-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.

While existing literature has extensively explored co-authorship patterns, research funding, and academic mobility as indicators of Sino-European research collaboration (e.g., Shih and Forsberg, 2023), the establishment of joint institutes and laboratories remains understudied (Jonkers and Cruz-Castro, 2010). This work delves into this dimension, aiming to contribute to a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics in Sino-European research collaboration amidst shifting global circumstances.

Specifically, this article in progress focuses on a case study of a joint Sino-German university institute in Shanghai. It investigates organizational responses to the evolving geopolitical landscape through the lens of institutional theory, exploring how actors within the institute perceived changes in the external environment and how geopolitical complexity influenced their work. This research contributes to understanding how researchers and research entities respond and adapt to shifting geopolitical realities and maintain legitimacy while navigating complex, ever-evolving international relations.

I will also situate the project within my ongoing PhD dissertation, titled "The Development of the EU’s Approach to Research Collaboration with China, 1992-2022: Policy, Practice, and People."