OPEN CALL
Transcultural Student Research Group 2021
The Impacts of the BRI on Europe: The Case of Poland and Germany in cooperation with The Boym Institute
Looking for a topic for your Humboldt, Elinor Ostrom, Bachelor or Master Thesis?
Interested in thinking about “The Impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative in Europe”?
Keen on cooperation with international peers?
Motivated to become part of the LEIZ’ project “Transcultural Caravan” and to join an interdisciplinary research group?
Can’t wait to publish your first chapter in a scientific book?
If you answered at least two of these questions with “yes”, we look forward to receiving your application! For further information on the application process, please see the corresponding section in this document.
Transcultural Student Research Group | TSRG 2021
The Impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative on Europe: The Case of Poland and Germany
As an ambitious project, the Belt and Road Initiative creates global value chains in a network that connects Europe, Asia, and Africa and that is characterised by diversity in languages, traditions, values, as well as political, social, and economic systems and settings. As one of the most fascinating and risky developments driving the formation of a global society, this initiative represents a global economic, political, social, and cultural experiment with potentially beneficial but also potentially disruptive consequences for all involved.
Against this background, it is important to contribute to the understanding of what the New Silk Road can mean in economic, political, leadership and cultural terms for the European countries involved. This analysis should reveal the practical consequences of the Belt and Road Initiative for Europe in the case of Poland and Germany, as well as their respective social effects.
The following topics are possible for the sub-research projects:
- Economic impacts: international economy, business, logistic & transportation, innovation & technology, the impacts of COVID-19, international trade and investment, global value chains, value creation networks.
- Socio-cultural impacts: transculturality, gender equality, arts, academia, media & communication, civil society organizations.
- Political impacts: geopolitical impacts, bilateral relations vs. multilateral relations, 17+1, EU policy, para-diplomacy.
- Leadership: relational leadership, transcultural leadership, cross-sectoral leadership, organization and management culture.
Timeframe

Starting in May, all TSRG 2021 participants will conceptually develop specific research questions that correlate both with their disciplinary background and with the TSRG 2021 overall research topic, together with experts at LEIZ and The Michał Boym Institute for Asian and Global Studies, as well as individual supervisors (ZU professors). Subsequently, the students will work on these questions together with students from Poland in an academic co-authoring process.
Accordingly, the group consists of several such pairs, who apply the common questions to their respective case studies and disciplines and exchange on their experiences and findings within the group. The case study research includes interviews and field research realized in the pairs and in cooperation with local universities and cooperation partners.
First results of the studies may be presented during the Transcultural Winter School 2021. After having submitted their individual Humboldt, Elinor Ostrom, Bachelor or Master theses, a joint book from all involved students will be published in the “Transcultural Management Series” at Metropolis Publisher.
Application
Interested Polish students from all study programs are welcome and can apply for the TRSG until April 12,2021. To apply for the TRSG 2021, please send an email with your CV and Cover Letter to the Head of the Michał Boym Institute for Asian and Global Studies Patrycja Pendrakowska (ppendrakowska@instytutboyma.org). Please take into consideration that for working on this research project you should reserve around 10 hours per week and be able to take part in research trips to Germany and Poland. We welcome Bachelor and Master students, as well as PhD Candidates.
Team

Jessica Geraldo Schwengber
Research fellow at “Transcultural Competences“ Research Group, Project Manager of the Transcultural Caravan
Leadership Excellence Institute Zeppelin | LEIZ
Phone +49 7541 6009 2265
Fax +49 7541 6009 1299
jessica.schwengber@zu.de

Dr Julika Baumann Montecinos
Head of Research Group “Transcultural Competences”, Project Manager of the Transcultural Caravan
Leadership Excellence Institute Zeppelin | LEIZ
Phone +49 7541 6009 2264
Fax +49 7541 6009 1299
julika.montecinos@zu.de

Prof Dr Josef Wieland, Vice President (Research)
Director Leadership Excellence Institute Zeppelin | LEIZ
Chair of Institutional Economics, Organisational Governance, Integrity Management and Transcultural Leadership
Phone +49 7541 6009 2261
Fax +49 7541 6009 1299
josef.wieland@zu.de

Katharina Hahn
Project coordinator
k.hahn@zeppelin-university.net

Patrycja Pendrakowska
Head of the Boym Institute
ppendrakowska@instytutboyma.org

Paweł Behrendt
Member of the Board at the Boym Institute
pbehrendt@instytutboyma.org
For further information:
www.zu.de/leiz
www.transcultural-caravan.org
czytaj więcej
Globalization of business, education and China: interview with prof. Chiwen Jevons Lee
Interview of Ewelina Horoszkiewicz with prof. Chiwen Jevons Lee on China on globalization of Chinese business education and his thoughts of China’s role in the global marketplace.
Ewelina HoroszkiewiczDrug and Road Initiative, that is the Silk Road of drug
This paper deals with the issue of drug business in post-Soviet Central Asia, a region that plays a key role in the trafficking of banned substances from Asia (mainly Afghanistan) to Europe. The study briefly presents the areas that make up the picture of drug business in Central Asia, paying attention to production and distribution.
Jerzy OlędzkiPolish women do not often become the heroines of media reports in Central Asia. In February 2020, however, it was different. The story of Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska, a journalist, "heated up" the headlines of local news portals. More importantly, "between the lines" she talked a lot about contemporary Uzbekistan and the role of women in politics.
Magdalena Sobańska-CwalinaRisk and oppportunities for self-driving vehicles. Exploring global regulations and security challenges in the future of connected vehicles. The report was co-produced by Boym Institute and 9DASHLINE.
Roman Catholic cemetery in Harbin (1903-1958)
First burials of Catholics, mostly Poles but also other Non-Orthodox believers took place in future Harbin in the so called small „old” or later Pokrovskoe Orthodox cemetery in the future European New Town quarter and small graveyards at the military and civilian hospitals of Chinese Eastern Railway at the turn of XIX and XX century.
Jerzy CzajewskiTaiwanese Perceptions of Russia’s Ukraine war
Since the invasion of Ukraine, the Taiwanese government remained committed to its position of condemnation for Russia, humanitarian support for Ukraine, and deep appreciation and admiration for the Ukrainian people’s will to defy power, resist aggression, and defend their nation.
Kuan Ting ChenNot only tests and masks: the history of Polish-Vietnamese mutual helpfulness
On the initiative of the Vietnamese community in Poland and Vietnamese graduates of Polish universities, our country received support from Vietnam - a country that deals with the threat posed by Sars-Cov-2 very effectively.
Grażyna Szymańska-MatusiewiczA Story of Victory? The 30th Anniversary of Kazakh Statehood and Challenges for the Future.
On 25 May 2021, the Boym Institute, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, organised an international debate with former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski (1995-2005).
Indian dream – interview with Samir Saran
Krzysztof Zalewski: India is a large country, both in terms of its population and its land area, with a fast-growing economy. It is perceived as a major new player on the global stage. What would the world order look like if co-organized by India? Samir Saran: India’s impact on the world order is already significant, but […]
Krzysztof Zalewski80th anniversary of Indonesian Proclamation of Independence and 70th anniversary of Poland-Indonesia diplomatic relations. April 23rd, at 10:00 am, aula im. prof. Waldemara Michowicza, ul. Lindleya 5A, Łódź.
Online Course: “Conflict Resolution and Democracy”
The course will be taught via interactive workshops, employing the Adam Institute’s signature “Betzavta – the Adam Institute’s Facilitation Method“, taught by its creator, Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman. The award-winning “Betzavta” method is rooted in an empirical approach to civic education, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
Indian Roundtable – Poland’s Challenges and Opportunities in the Subcontinent
In recent years, India has been the fastest growing among the major countries' economies in the world. (...) In the coming decades, the Subcontinent's largest country may remain one of the pillars of global economic growth. This is one of the reasons why the country is already the most popular destination for Polish foreign investment in the Asian-Pacific region.
Coronavirus and climate policies: long-term consequences of short-term initiatives
As large parts of the world are gradually becoming habituated to living in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, global attention has turned to restarting the economy. One of the most consequential impacts of these efforts will be that on our climate policies and environmental conditions.
Dawid JuraszekWe’re Stronger Together – an Interview with Minister Marcin Przydacz
"Cooperation and investments – we are absolutely up for it. However, we prefer to keep a certain degree of caution when it comes to entrusting the transfer of technology and critical infrastructure to external investors. The security of Poland and the EU should be considered more important than even the greatest economic gains..."
Book review: “Unveiling the North Korean economy”
Book review of "Unveiling the North Korean economy", written by Kim Byung-yeon and published by Cambridge University Press in 2016.B. Tauris in 2017.
Nicolas LeviForeign Direct Investment in Vietnam
Thanks to continuous economic development, Vietnam attracts a record number of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The catalyst for such a strong growth of FDI in Vietnam is not only the ongoing trade war between the US and China, but also new international agreements.
Jakub KrólczykPaths to Asia: Conversations that Inspire
Wojciech Jaworski is the founder of Huqiao Games, a company specializing in bringing PC games to the Chinese market. A graduate of Jagiellonian University and participant in the “Chinese Bridge” program, he is currently working on a new, as yet unannounced project in the gamedev/tech industry.
Patrycja PendrakowskaPolish-Macanese Artist Duo Presents New Works in Lisbon
Artist couple Marta Stanisława Sala (Poland) and Cheong Kin Man (Macau) will present their latest works in the exhibition “The Wondersome and Peculiar Voyages of Cheong Kin Man, Marta Stanisława Sala and Deborah Uhde”, on view at the Macau Museum of the Macau Scientific and Cultural Centre (CCCM) in Lisbon, from 5 June to 6 July 2025.
Temples, Hackers, and Leaks: The Thai-Cambodian Crisis in the Age of Information Warfare
Thailand and Cambodia are caught up in a heated border dispute over an ancient temple that dates back to the 11th century. This isn’t just about land — it’s about the heritage of colonialism, national pride, and tensions between two powerful political dynasties.
Andżelika SerwatkaPeace is a precondition for LiFE. How systemic conflicts endanger developmental goals
The G20 can play a pivotal role in dealing with the mounting global challenges by proposing policy coordination and solutions disincentivising armed conflicts.
Krzysztof ZalewskiBook review: “North Korea’s Cities”
Book review of "North Korea’s Cities", written by Rainer Dormels and published byJimoondang Publishing Company in 2014.
Nicolas LeviWorkshop – Liberalism vs authoritarianism: political ideas in Singapore and China
We cordially invite you to a workshop session “Liberalism vs authoritarianism: political ideas in Singapore and China”. The workshop is organized by Patrycja Pendrakowska and Maria Kądzielska at the Department of Philosophy, University of Warsaw on ZOOM.
Dr. Nicolas Levi with a lecture in Seoul
On May 24 Dr. Nicolas Levi gave a lecture on Balcerowicz's plan in the context of North Korea. The speech took place as part of the seminar "Analyzing the Possibility of Reform and its Impact on Human Rights in North Korea". The seminar took place on May 24 at the prestigious Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.
Peace and development as the call of our day again face severe challenges on a global scale, with more prominent instability, uncertainty and complexity
Yiwei Wang