Research topics

We live in a world defined by transition. Political, economic, and social systems are shifting, while rapid advances in AI, cyber, quantum, and space technologies are reshaping how societies function, compete, and govern themselves. At the same time, climate change, resource scarcity, and the global energy transition are transforming the physical environments on which lives and economies depend.

Asia stands at the heart of these shifts. From recalibrating supply chains and energy systems to navigating the consequences of environmental degradation, the region faces mounting pressures that reverberate globally. These transitions raise urgent questions: Who benefits and who bears the costs, how can risks be managed, and what pathways exist toward more sustainable and equitable futures?

At Leiden Asia Centre, we tackle these challenges through deep regional expertise and interdisciplinary research. By focusing on two main topics (Technology & Society and Climate & Energy) in our core regional areas of expertise (China, India, Japan, Indonesia, and the Koreas), we generate actionable insights into how Asia is shaping — and being shaped by — the defining transformations of the 21st century.

Technology & Society

Asia is at the forefront of rapid technological change in AI, cyber, space, and quantum. These tools can solve urgent problems, but also create risks when driven by hype or vested interests. We examine who shapes these innovations, how they are used, and their impact on governance, security, and society.

Climate & Energy

Asia faces mounting costs from climate change and environmental degradation. At the same time, it is central to global transitions in clean energy, water management, sustainability, and critical minerals. We study how societies balance development with environmental protection, and how Asia’s choices shape opportunities for a sustainable future.