Think Tank Science and Engineering: An Introduction

This book introduces think tank science and engineering as an emerging academic discipline, marking the evolution of Chinese think tanks toward greater specialization and scientific rigor. Rather than merely describing existing think tank operations, the work establishes the theoretical foundations and systematic framework for understanding think tanks as a legitimate field of study.
The book explores how think tank research has developed from informal advisory roles into a structured discipline with distinct methodologies, theoretical paradigms, and knowledge systems. It examines the transformation of think tank practices from ad hoc consulting to systematic policy research, analyzing how these institutions have evolved to address complex governance challenges across economic, social, and technological domains.
Central to the work is the development of comprehensive methodological approaches that integrate data analysis, modeling techniques, and technical platforms essential for modern think tank operations. The book also addresses the critical aspects of knowledge dissemination, community building, and professional talent development within the think tank ecosystem.
Designed for government officials, researchers, academics, and enterprise professionals involved in decision consulting and strategic research, this book serves as both a theoretical guide and practical reference. It aims to establish the intellectual groundwork for building robust, scientifically oriented think tanks that can effectively support policy-making and strategic decision-making in contemporary China.

List of contents

Chapter 1.Discipline Formation of Think Tank Science and Engineering.- Chapter 2.Disciplinary Framework of Think Tank Science and Engineering.- Chapter 3.Concepts and Connotations of Think Tank Science and Engineering.- Chapter 4.Theoretical Paradigm of Think Tank Science and Engineering.- Chapter 5.Epistemology, Methodology, and Theory of Practice of Think Tank Science and Engineering.- Chapter 6.  Key Issues of Think Tank Science and Engineering.-  Chapter 7.Knowledge Evolution of Think Tank Science and Engineering.-  Chapter 8.  Problems Associated with Economic Governance Strategies.- Chapter 9.Problems Associated with Social Governance Strategies.- Chapter 10.  Problems Associated with S&T Governance Strategies.- Chapter 11.Data, Methods and Models.- Chapter 12.Think Tank Technology System.- Chapter 13.Think Tank Community.- Chapter 14.Think Tank Communication and Exchange.- Chapter 15.Think Tank Talent Training.- Chapter 16.  Application of Think Tank Science and Engineering.- Chapter 17.Future of Think Tank Science and Engineering.

About the author

Pan Jiaofeng,
PhD supervisor, President of the Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASISD), co-director of China Innovation Strategy and Policy Research Center jointly funded by Research Office of the State Council and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chairman of the Chinese Association of Development Strategy Studies, Vice President of China Law Association on Science & Technology, Vice Chairman of China Association of Scientific and Technological Achievements Management, and Vice Chairman of National Science and Technology Evaluation Standardization Technics Committee. He is Board member of International Research and Training Centre for Science and Technology Strategy (CISTRAT) under the Auspices of UNESCO. He is an expert with State Council Special Allowance, and a specially-appointed expert of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. He was awarded one of the National Talents of “Hundred, Thousand and Ten Thousand Talents Project and the honorary title of “Young and Middle-aged Experts with Outstanding Contributions”.
His research focuses on S&T strategic planning, innovation policy, think-tank theory and method research. He has presided more than 60 national research project touching upon major decision-making consultation, innovation policy and strategic planning. He has published more than 200 academic papers, research reports, and policy proposals, and more than 10 monographs.

Summary

This book introduces think tank science and engineering as an emerging academic discipline, marking the evolution of Chinese think tanks toward greater specialization and scientific rigor. Rather than merely describing existing think tank operations, the work establishes the theoretical foundations and systematic framework for understanding think tanks as a legitimate field of study.
The book explores how think tank research has developed from informal advisory roles into a structured discipline with distinct methodologies, theoretical paradigms, and knowledge systems. It examines the transformation of think tank practices from ad hoc consulting to systematic policy research, analyzing how these institutions have evolved to address complex governance challenges across economic, social, and technological domains.
Central to the work is the development of comprehensive methodological approaches that integrate data analysis, modeling techniques, and technical platforms essential for modern think tank operations. The book also addresses the critical aspects of knowledge dissemination, community building, and professional talent development within the think tank ecosystem.
Designed for government officials, researchers, academics, and enterprise professionals involved in decision consulting and strategic research, this book serves as both a theoretical guide and practical reference. It aims to establish the intellectual groundwork for building robust, scientifically oriented think tanks that can effectively support policy-making and strategic decision-making in contemporary China.

Product details

• Authors: Jiaofeng Pan
• Publisher: Springer, Berlin
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 23.11.2025
• EAN: 9789819532841
• ISBN: 978-981-9532-84-1
• Illustrations: Approx. 280 p. 38 illus. in color.
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > General, dictionaries; Gesellschaft und Kultur, allgemein, Philosophy of Science, Think Tank, decision-making, Science, Technology and Society, Research Paradigm, policy research, governance capacity, scientific strategy research, theoretical methodology, governance strategy, think tank theory and methodology, think tank science and engineering