Objective, accurate evaluation key to think tanks

On Oct. 19, the first “China Think Tank Construction and Evaluation Forum” was held in Beijing. Photo:CSSN

On Oct. 19, the first “China Think Tank Construction and Evaluation Forum” was hosted in Beijing by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) in joint with the Institute for Evaluation of the Social Sciences under CASS. More than 100 Chinese think tank experts and scholars attended the forum. 

The Institute for Evaluation of the Social Sciences under CASS released the “2018 China Think Tank Achievements and Talent Evaluation Report” during the forum. Based on a comparative study of think tank construction and evaluation, the Institute has done a series of studies on global and Chinese think tanks.

This evaluation was based on the previous evaluation results of Chinese think tanks, and it conducted more in-depth research from the perspectives of policy suggestions, academic achievements and innovative talent in order to select the most representative think tanks that could set an example for building Chinese new-style think tanks. 

In addition, this evaluation deeply analyzed specific aspects of think tank construction from multiple perspectives and studied the characteristics and laws of think tank construction at a more micro level. The aim was to give an objective and accurate evaluation of the present situation of Chinese think tanks, thereby advancing the construction of China’s high-level think tanks and helping Chinese philosophy and social sciences rise on the world stage.

The report offered six suggestions for building a new style of think tanks with Chinese characteristics. First, a think tank should have a clear position and constantly improve its strategic design and necessary organizational planning. Its values and cultural standpoints should be continuously strengthened. 

Second, a think tank should be professional and distinctive. This is a crucial component for the high-quality growth of policy advice and academic conclusions.

Third, it’s important for a think tank to integrate basic theoretical research with applied research to give solutions. Fourth, we should make Chinese think tanks more influential in an all-around way. Fifth, think tanks should strengthen team building and reform their personnel system. Sixth, it’s necessary to improve the management of think tanks, especially process management.   

(Edited and translated by CHEN ALONG)