Sound evaluation network in demand for booming think tank industry

Fortunately, there are many advantages to supporting Chinese think tanks compared to those in other countries. First, the central and local governments support the founding of think tanks. Second, the communication channel between Chinese think tanks and the government is more direct and smooth. Third, China, as a major world power, has diverse talents of philosophy and social science.

However, the development of China’s think tanks is fraught with shortages. First, a strong association with the government may undermine think tanks’ objectivity and neutrality. Second, for fledging Chinese think tanks, the level of specialization and professionalization is inferior than those in developed countries. Third, the public data supply system is premature even if under the support of the Regulation on the Disclosure of Government Information. Fourth, professionals are far from enough due to the absence of training channels, especially in Chinese universities. Last but not the least, in the global arena, China’s think tanks don’t possess a berth yet due to the deficiency of academic international discourse and a limited level of public diplomacy.

As a rising industry in China, think tanks should collaborate with the government, media, academia and public to play a genuine role in serving government and society. Therefore, high quality research works and good management are key to reach the final goal.

During the progress, the evaluation system is inevitable to adjust itself to serve the industry better. A compatible appraisal index should be taken according to the stage of China’s think tank industry and more special and one-to-one assessments should be carried out in the future.

Li Gang, Professor with School of Information Management, Nanjing University and director of Operations, Center for Chinese Think Tank Studies and Evaluation (CCTTSE).

Zou Jingya， Master, School of Information Management, Nanjing University