Summary

China’s “111 Project” or “Project 111”, launched in 2005, is a national programme that aims to draw about 1000 leading overseas scholars and researchers from worldwide top 100 universities and research institutes to over 100 “innovation bases” in China. The name comes from the three numbers, “1000-100-100”, although despite this name there currently appear to be slightly over 200 innovation bases. The innovation bases include both central (Ministerial) and provincial higher education institutions, each of which has a specific focus. Innovation bases are funded for five-year periods, with a new batch of innovation bases approved each year.

According to the most recent management measures, issued in December last year, each of these supported innovation bases should recruit at least 10 overseas experts. These 10 experts should include at least one world-class academic leader and five or more high-level research experts. A world-class academic leader is defined as a member of their country’s Academy of Sciences or Academy of Engineering or a first-class expert or scholar whose position and achievements are globally recognised; these academic leaders should work in China for at least one month per year.

Meanwhile, innovation bases must also have a team of at least 10 domestic experts, including at least five outstanding academic leaders who are young or middle-aged.

Analysis by Kevin Prest and Xiaoxiao Liu

The list of Project 111 bases linked below contains information on the subject focus of each of the 201 current innovation bases, including the funding period, the subject area and the host university. These bases represent a concentration of expertise in their respective subject areas, as well as receiving specific government support to encourage innovation in these areas. In addition to bringing overseas academics to China for periods of around a month, the institutions are encouraged to continue to work together with these academics and conduct further joint research. The list is therefore a valuable resource for UK universities searching for potential joint research partners.

Sources:

1. The Implementation and Management Measures for the ‘Expertise-Introduction Project for Disciplinary Innovation of Universities’ (111 Project) - Chinese:  http://www.moe.gov.cn/jyb_xwfb/s5147/201612/t20161201_290553.html

2. List of currently active “111 bases” as of March 2017 (compiled by the British Council from annual Ministry of Education approval announcements): https://education-services.britishcouncil.org/sites/siem/files/field/file/news/Project%20111%20Innovation%20Bases%20-%20as%20of%20March%202017.xls