The main function of the Institute of World Development (IWD) is to undertake strategic and comprehensive studies of major issues in global political, economic and social development.

The Asia-Africa Development Research Institute (AADRI), founded on Jan 18, 1994, in affiliation with the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC)

The Ethnic Minority Groups Development Research Institute, affiliated with the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC), mainly studies economic and social development issues in regions with large ethnic groups.

The key responsibility of the Institute of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC) is to undertake research on Hong Kong and Macao issues for the prosperity and stability of these two special administrative regions