Better think tanks can 'guide policy-making'

Chinese scholars and experts are calling for speeding up the development of think tanks to meet the country's demand for innovation-driven development and enhance governing capabilities.

"So far, there has been a great number of think tanks across the country. However, the overall level is not as high as those overseas. Much work should be done to help promote the development of Chinese think tanks," said Wei Jianguo, vice-chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges and a former vice-minister of commerce.

Think tanks are professional institutions that perform research on public policies. Their main function is to provide objective theoretical grounds and consulting suggestions for public policy-makers to address issues in the fields of economics, politics, diplomacy and social issues.