HSE and Peking University Expand Cooperation in Civil Society Research
A seminar involving Russian and Chinese scholars on cooperation between the state and non-profit organisations was held in Beijing. Participants discussed the evolution of institutions, cooperation practices, and challenges facing the development of the non-profit sector, and also presented the results of their research. The meeting concluded with agreements to expand joint projects and academic exchanges.
The international seminar on cooperation between the state and the non-profit sector in Russia and China took place at Peking University on May 15, 2026. It became the central event of the visit by the delegation from the HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and Nonprofit Sector to China.
The seminar brought together Russian and Chinese researchers who discussed the evolution of civil society institutions, practices of interaction with the state, and prospects for joint research. The session was moderated by Professor Tian Kai, Deputy Dean of the School of Government at Peking University.
Yan Jirong, Dean of the School of Government at Peking University, recalled that the partnership between the universities has a strong history and that it continues to develop actively. Cooperation between the HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and Nonprofit Sector and the School of Government at Peking University began in 2024 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. Since then, the partners have organised three mutual visits, round tables, and academic discussions.
In May 2026, a meeting took place in Moscow between the leadership of HSE University and a delegation from Peking University led by President Gong Qihuang. During the meeting, the parties agreed to expand cooperation within the framework of the Cross Years of Russian-Chinese Educational Cooperation (2026–2027).
‘Relations between the state and society are a central issue of public administration. Both China and Russia are seeking their own models of interaction that correspond to national conditions,’ said Dean Yan Jirong.
Irina Mersiyanova, Director of the HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and Nonprofit Sector, delivered a presentation on the development of the non-profit sector in Russia based on more than 20 years of monitoring. She noted that since 1991, the country has developed a mature system of non-profit organisations with diverse structural forms and funding sources. Private donations and state subsidies have played a significant role.
‘Most non-profit organisations have adapted to the challenging external environment and play a significant role in the social sphere. However, insufficient funding and limited public awareness still remain key challenges,’ noted Irina Mersiyanova.
Viacheslav Ivanov, Chief Expert of the centre, presented the results of a study on interaction between NGOs and the state. According to him, organisations cooperate most actively with local authorities, while contacts at the federal level remain limited. The main forms of cooperation are joint projects and financial support.
‘The overall level of satisfaction regarding cooperation with the state remains fairly high, while the participation of NGOs in the provision of social services and in joint projects with public authorities continues to grow,’ emphasised Viacheslav Ivanov.
Professor Tian Kai and doctoral student Wang Suifeng presented a study of institutional changes in the field of political lobbying by public organisations in China. They identified three stages of development: exploration, promotion, and expansion. In their assessment, the lobbying system in China is becoming more structured and multi-layered.
Professor Zhang Changdong focused on the effectiveness of lobbying and demonstrated that increasing NGO autonomy strengthens their participation in policy-making while reducing confrontational practices.
Assistant Professor Zeng Yu presented research on attitudes towards self-governance in Chinese cities. The study showed that models of civic participation vary depending on the level of territorial development and the specific features of local governance.
Assistant Professor Luo Wei presented a comparative study of migrant integration in global cities. She highlighted the key role played by the diversity of NGO staff and their day-to-day interaction with aid recipients. ‘Team diversity and deep engagement with migrants prove to be more significant than formal institutional mechanisms,’ emphasised Luo Wei.
During the discussion, participants examined the comparability of research methods, differences in the functions of government bodies, and the specific features of local governance. They agreed that Russia and China demonstrate similar trends: the development of models of interaction between the state and NGOs alongside a growing emphasis on coordination and collaborative governance.
The parties also outlined areas for further cooperation, ranging from joint research projects to doctoral student exchanges.
Following the seminar, Irina Mersiyanova and Zhang Jian, Director for International Projects at the School of Government of Peking University, emphasised the importance of dialogue. The seminar became an important step in strengthening academic ties and created a foundation for further cooperation in the field of social governance.
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