Reaping the Benefits

Today mankind is in a transition period to a new knowledge age. Both China and Germany entered the knowledge society at different times and under quite different circumstances. At the start of the 21st century, however, both countries are faced with similar challenges and are well equipped not the least due to the steadfast and trusting ties that have linked the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. When the first steps in this cooperative endeavor were taken in 1974, the prospects were more than vague. But it only took a few years until solid cooperative initiatives took shape based on