China's think tanks need to reach out and connect
- By Fu Ying
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E-mail China.org.cn, April 24, 2015
China already has many mature institutions in the field of international strategy that are strong in historical analysis and basic research. But they have weaknesses. Some research institutes are not equipped to stay current in the rapidly evolving flux of today's geopolitical landscape and are therefore often unable to meet the most pressing needs of decision-makers.
Also, in government affiliated institutions, the rules and regulations on the use of research funds tend to favor spending on hardware such as buildings and facilities instead of encouraging creative thinking — supportive more of the "tank" instead of the "think." Some emerging private think tanks have deep pockets, but lack well-targeted research objectives and effectives channels of submitting their findings to policymakers. Sometimes the "ownership" of research results means they lack credibility. Such concerns hold back outstanding scholars and researchers from making full use of their expertise.
How do we transform institutions for international strategic studies into new types of think tanks? Two suggestions:
First, research institutes should reorganize their institutional management to align research projects more closely to the imperatives of decision-making. On the land and maritime Silk Road initiatives, for example, academic institutions in China rushed to produce a large quantity of policy commentary, which has been more or less on the level of a general perspective. But what decision-makers need most is substantive data-based analysis and answers to practical questions of implementation, such as logistics and security, that is country-specific.
Second, scholars should have high political and professional standards and a global perspective. They must look around the world to examine what other think tanks are producing on similar matters while at the same time being rigorous, objective and focused in their research. That research must be supported with solid data and recommendations must aim at finding practical solutions for practical problems.
For their part, decision-makers also need to transform their approach toward think-tanks. They need to set up information sharing mechanisms, open up channels for the submission of academic findings and upgrade rules for efficient use of research funds. They should also encourage think tanks to attract and nurture high-caliber talent in an open and inclusive way, promoting outstanding scholars that produce high quality work. A digital network for sharing and collaboration among think tanks, the establishment of an association of international strategic think tanks and the formulation of nationwide and international communication programs are all high priorities.
Growing international strategic think tanks will take time. While maintaining an historical perspective, their mindset must embrace globalization and a future orientation, sticking to the facts in order to generate practical solutions.
As China becomes a more active player in shaping tomorrow's rules-based global order, transforming its think tanks to meet this task is a critical building block not only for our future, but for the world as a whole.
Fu Ying is a Member of the Standing Committee and Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the 12th National People's Congress of China.
Copyright: Chinausfocus.com
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