Continue to promote the construction of new think tanks with Chinese characteristics. According to the requirements of helping to make decisions, being modestly advanced and relatively independent, we should promote the construction on four fronts. First, improve the ability to make overall decisions and strategic plans. As the world has hit the age of mass data, think tanks should be adept at using modernized information technology and research methods to learn about the development of things, to punctually figure out major emerging issues and trends concerning the economy and social development, and furthermore to make strategic plans with foresight. Second, develop the ability to put forward policy advice that is both scientific and feasible. To a certain degree, the rightness of policy is in proportion to the comprehensive abilities of the policy maker, of which an important part is the ability of policy consultation. To achieve this, a mix of solid academic theory, increased policy quality and in-depth social practice should be utilized. Third, develop the ability to promote the formulation and implementation of policies. Think tanks exist for the purpose of collecting information and data, giving convincing analysis, deduction and conclusion, and then offering suggestions on the solution of problems and contradictions facing the economy and society to decision-makers. By providing explicit and practical explanations about the goal, motivation, and conditions of policy design, think tanks actively promote the formulation and implementation of policies, which is how they directly exert influence on policy. Fourth, strengthen the ability to interpret and spread major policies. Apart from improving the accurate interpretation of and influence on domestic policies, think tanks should also strengthen international communication and cooperation by launching talks with international counterparts and conducting export-oriented policy interpretation in order to spread Chinese practical experience and policies, and have a bigger say in global mainstream media and international platforms.

Strengthen the training of talent at new think tanks with Chinese characteristics. The key to constructing new think tanks with Chinese characteristics actually lies in training talent with professional knowledge and management abilities. And indeed the influence exerted by think tanks comes from research personnel and talent groups. Therefore a talent fostering environment with both principles as well as loose and active atmosphere where everyone with talent can stand out and do their best is needed to render the think tanks more attractive to talent. Research personnel should be encouraged to adopt the sense of responsibility, mission and honor, and good moral qualities. As for policy research, we should hold onto the values that seek truth, be pragmatic and work out new ideas while sticking to the principles, and carry out the spirit of seeking the truth from facts. In addition, the mindset of being scientific, prudent, objective and pragmatic, and the quality of thinking independently and taking courage to innovate should be fostered. Think tanks should be inclusive and open-minded. Besides enabling as many government officials, enterprise executives and experts as possible to be involved in the study of policies as advisors or members of research groups, think tanks should cooperate with eminent international research institutions and enterprises like World Bank and Shell Global in the implementation of major research items such as China 2030, Promote Efficient, Inclusive and Sustainable Urbanization, Research on China’s Medium and Long Term Energy Development Strategy, and Research on China’s Gas Development Strategy. Apart from the “bring in” strategy, we should also implement the “go global” strategy. The advisory committee and group of top experts from various fields and the research system of visiting scholars should be established, and high-level forums and symposiums should be held to strengthen ties with various think tanks around the world and distinguished experts and scholars in diverse fields, to communicate and cooperate with them, and furthermore to seek mutual learning and development.

Author: Li Wei, minister of the Development Research Center of the State Council 

Source: People's Daily. April 22, 2014