Mission

The Study Centre of the Italy China Foundation was established in 2010 with the aim of conducting scientific analyses on the main economic, political, and market developments relating to the People's Republic of China. Particular attention is paid to bilateral Italy-China relations, placed within the broader context of international dynamics. Recently, the Study Centre has broadened its focus to also include nations closely linked to China from a geopolitical and economic perspective, particularly those that are part of ASEAN, enriching its activities through collaboration with the Club Asia, a non-profit association that aims to strengthen relations between Asian entities operating in Italy, including mixed and foreign organisations, associations and chambers of commerce, and their Italian and international business and institutional counterparts.

Among the leading activities of the Research Department there is the annual publication of the China Reportwhich in 2024 reached its fifteenth edition. This report, structured in two thematic publications, is recognised as one of the most authoritative sources for understanding China's position on the world stage, thanks also to the contributions and sector-specific knowledge of the Foundation's Members. 

Since 2019, the Research Centre has conducted an annual survey on the experiences of Italian companies operating in the Chinese market and, since 2022, on Chinese companies present in Italy. This survey is made possible by the Foundation's strong ties with the Italian-Chinese business community, offering a detailed overview each year of bilateral relations, enriched by recommendations based on careful analysis of the dynamics and challenges that characterise Italy-China relations. 

The Study Centre closely monitors the developments in the Chinese economy, which is currently undergoing a complex transition process. It regularly provides Foundation members with detailed analyses. These include the "Monthly Bulletin on Chinese Economy", focused on political-economic aspects, and the "China Spotlight', which examine specific sectors of the Chinese economy with potential investment opportunities for Italian companies. 

The Research Department also collaborates with the Academy of the Italy China Foundation, among others, in the 'China Executive Training Program' project, dedicated to business and academic training to prepare managers and students to face the challenges of the Chinese market. 

The activities and reports of the Research Department are regularly presented at networking events and webinars, fostering interaction between the business communities and institutions of the two countries. 

To contact our analysts: centrostudi@italychina.org