Knowledge transfer and concepts of Europe

When and for whom and to what extent do the images conveyed in the various concepts of Europe differ from those brought to light by the analysis of multidimensional, transregional and transcultural knowledge transfer processes?

This is done from a longue durée perspective, which extends from antiquity through the early modern period to the present day, as well as by applying inter- and transdisciplinary approaches. Knowledge transfer is understood as a multidimensional, transregional and transcultural process that involves complex forms of interaction between different actors, institutions and places of knowledge production. However, the existence of these transfer processes is often excluded from concepts of and discourses on Europe. Therefore, we emphasize the instrumental character of these discourses and concepts and their role in the construction of the Other or supposed peripheries of Europe. In this sense, this cluster is committed to critical European studies by questioning and attempting to overcome traditional, anachronistic views of knowledge production, the validity of bipolar topographies of knowledge and patterns of interpretation shaped by nationalist historiographies.