Wang Weiguang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and director of the Editorial Board of the journal Social Sciences in China at the board meeting on Jan. 12

The journal Social Sciences in China should focus on innovating on core topics of philosophy and social sciences in 2017, said Wang Weiguang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and director of the Editorial Board of the journal, during the Editorial Board Meeting held at Social Sciences in China Press (SSCP) under CASS on Jan. 12.

Printed under the auspices of CASS, the monthly journal covers the latest and most important research achievements in social sciences and humanities. In 2016, a total of 135 articles were published, and fewer than two out of every 100 contributions were used.

These published articles offered interpretations of core theoretical and academic issues, Wang said, adding that they reflect innovation and development in theoretical and applied research, representing the frontiers of philosophy and social sciences.

Since its birth 37 years ago, Social Sciences in China has been committed to rigorous academic criteria and focused on contemporary issues. It is regarded as one of the best journals devoted to social sciences and humanities in China.

Zhang Jiang, vice-president of CASS and editor-in-chief of SSCP, noted that a number of insightful ideas tend to be drowned out by the vast ocean of information after they are put forward, making it hard for these scholars to exert academic influence.

Social Sciences in China aims to provide a platform for spreading academic innovations, promoting the development of the Chinese school in philosophy and social sciences, and enhancing influence of leading researchers in the fields, Zhang said. In 2017, it should focus on innovative topics that can be influential in the next five to 10 years and guide scholars of all disciplines in putting forward concepts with Chinese characteristics, he added.

It is crucial to set an agenda focused on major economic issues that either are left over from history or will exert influence on the future, and that exist in China and across the world, said Cai Fang, vice-president of CASS.

For example, academia can contribute by explaining the difference between the slowdown in the Chinese economy under the “new normal” and the slowdown of the global economy as a whole as well as the differences between the supply-side structural reform in China and the supply-side economics in the West, Cai said.

Moreover, Social Sciences in China emphasizes the importance of following global trends and promoting international academic exchanges. Zhang Shunhong, director of the Institute of World History under CASS, said the journal represents not only the voice of Chinese academia but also the voice of the international circle in response to major problems concerning humanity as a whole.

Zhou Hong, a CASS Member, said in rapid economic globalization, international issues extend beyond the scope of traditional studies. Social Sciences in China offers a platform that allows scholars of various disciplines to contribute to the study of global issues, such as global governance and the community of a common destiny, Zhou said.