"There is no unbiased research from think tanks, but what matters is that, for each and every piece of work think tanks produce, the political positioning should be clearly revealed, in order to address directly to the target readers and to be better involved in the policy-making process," said Dr. James G McGann, director of the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) at the University of Pennsylvania during a seminar held this Tuesday on May 29 in Beijing.

Organized by the Pangoal Institution, a Beijing-based think tank, and China Youth Publishing Group, the seminar is themed on "Global, Regional and National Trends and Transitions in Think Tanks and Policy Advice." This seminar marks the 45th of the Pangoal Institution Series in 2019, during which experts from China and the U.S. shed light on the improvement of think tanks' role in global issues as well as the diversified practices of think tanks' participation in policy advice.

In the keynote speech, Dr. McGann introduced the prominent role of think tanks in the U.S. from a historical perspective, notably, its decentralized political culture. He also recognized the value of experts outside of the government by referencing American think tanks' participation in both the 9/11 Commission and the presidential transition in 2008.

Regarding the challenges facing think tanks due to global innovation, Dr. McGann noted that resulted from globalization, social media and internet, and ceaseless technological advanced such as big data and artificial intelligence, "the mission of think tanks will not change, what must change is how these ideas are delivered, and the audience that think tanks target."

"Books and journals are dead and think tanks will also be extinct if they don't transform what they do and how they deliver it, and to what audiences. Those are the three key essential points that are impacting think tanks around the world."

During the following discussion session of the seminar, researchers of Pangoal Institution exchanged ideas with Dr. McGann about improving a think tank's role in promoting communication and building mutual-learning between China and U.S., especially under the current trade dispute between the two countries. Dr. McGann also shared insights about "the revolving door" regarding his book The Fifth Estate: Think Tanks. Public Policy and Governance.

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