CEAMES: Center for European and Asian Macroeconomic Studies

Center for European and Asian Macroeconomic Studies (CEAMES) is a new research centre at the FernUniversität in Hagen, which has emerged from the two existing research centres CEAMeS and CEIS.

The economic upswing of East Asia, especially China, in recent years and decades has made relations with Asia increasingly important for Europe. In addition, the new rivality between China and the USA confronts Europe with new challenges as far as relations with China and other Asian countries are concerned.

Researchers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds are cooperating to analyze these multifaceted interactions between Asia and Europe. This cooperation spans across various fields such as economics, politics, culture, and environmental studies, reflecting the complex and interwoven nature of these interactions.

The broader aim of this initiative is understanding the relations between both areas by studying the main drivers behind trade and investment flows as well as cultural and political ties that impact countries in both continents. This collaboration often involves comprehensive data analysis, joint research projects, and policy recommendations aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is another significant focus, with researchers examining its implications for global trade, infrastructure development, and regional economic integration.

We will organize frequent workshops on both Asian and European Macroeconomics. The Center will also create an online platform containing general information and references of the most recent academic work on East Asian macroeconomic studies. Finally, the Center will also host researchers from other universities and research centers associated with CEAMES.

The research centre CEAMeS (Center for East Asia Macroeconomic Studies) has been in existence since 2015 and has so far been very successful in publishing a large number of studies on East Asia, especially China, and has also organised numerous relevant workshops and conferences. It has been led by Professors Schmerer and Wagner from the FernUniversität in Hagen. CEAMeS has also had numerous external research fellows from Asian and European universities as well as from international organisations such as the IMF, the World Bank, BIS and BOFIT (Bank of Finland). CEIS (Center for European Integration Studies), on the other hand, is a relatively new research centre, founded only a year ago by Joscha Beckmann and Helmut Wagner, both macroeconomics professors at the FernUniversität. Two Jean Monnet projects are currently being carried out at the Chair of Macroeconomics. In addition, the chair is regularly involved in the organization of the annual meeting of the European Economics and Finance Society and cooperates with the SGH Warsaw School of Economics.

We have decided to join forces and merge the two research centres in order to achieve synergy effects. The new research centre will continue to produce studies and organise conferences on development in East Asia (and South Asia) and in Europe. In addition, however, the relations (trade, economic and political relations) between Europe and Asia will also be analysed.

The new CEAMES research centre is jointly headed by Professors Beckmann, Schmerer and Wagner.