Navigating China's Think Tanks: Defining, Categorizing, and Charting Future Research Directions

Abstract

China's think tanks have emerged as influential players in shaping policy discourse and decision-making processes within the country and globally. However, the conceptualization and classification of these institutions remain nebulous, hindering comprehensive analysis and comparative studies. This paper aims to provide clarity by defining China's think tanks, proposing a taxonomy to categorize them, and delineating promising avenues for future research in this domain.

We begin by elucidating the concept of think tanks within the Chinese context, examining their roles, functions, and evolution over time. Drawing on existing literature and empirical evidence, we propose a comprehensive definition of China's think tanks that encompasses their diverse forms, objectives, and operational characteristics. Subsequently, we introduce a taxonomy framework to categorize these think tanks based on their organizational structures, affiliations, funding sources, policy focuses, and influence dynamics. This taxonomy facilitates a nuanced understanding of the heterogeneity within China's think tank landscape, allowing for comparative analysis and typological classifications.

Furthermore, we explore key research prospects and thematic areas ripe for investigation within the field of China's think tanks. These include studies on the historical development and institutional evolution of Chinese think tanks, analyses of their policy influence and decision-making processes, examinations of their roles in shaping domestic and foreign policies, assessments of their engagement with global think tank networks, and evaluations of their contributions to governance and public discourse in China. Additionally, we identify emerging trends, such as the digital transformation of think tanks, the rise of grassroots think tanks, and the implications of China's expanding global influence on the landscape of think tank diplomacy.

By delineating a clear definition, proposing a taxonomy, and outlining research prospects, this paper contributes to advancing scholarship on China's think tanks, providing a foundation for future empirical studies, theoretical advancements, and policy analyses in this dynamic and consequential field.