Think tanks play a pivotal role in improving governance systems and capabilities, especially in a new round of science and technological (S&T) revolution and industrial transformation.

On September 22-23, 2024, the 5^th International Symposium on Think Tank Science and Engineering (the Symposium) was held in Beijing, co-hosted by the Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASISD), the Center for Strategic Studies, Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), the Chinese Association of Development Strategy Studies (CADSS), and the National Academy of Innovation Strategy (NAIS).

Prof. PAN Jiaofeng, CASISD President and CADSS Chairman, highlighted in his speech the achievements of think tank building over the past decade, noting that think tanks have become a strong support that ensures reasonable and democratic decision-making. CASISD, as a comprehensive integration platform for high-end national think tanks, has adhered to its founding principles: "academics as the foundation, interdisciplinary convergence, integration of theory and practice, and policy advisory as the major direction." Under such guidance, the CASISD has explored a specialized and professional development path for think tanks that boasts different features for various disciplines.

CASISD has initiated the new interdisciplinary field of "Think Tank Science and Engineering", and published works like the 2019’s "DIIS Theory and Methodology in Think Tanks", 2022’s "Double Helix Methodology in Think Tanks" and 2023’s "Think Tank Science and Engineering: An Introduction", Pan’s trilogy which serve as an innovation source of think tanks. Think Tank Science and Engineering is a new discipline established in the background of addressing various theoretical, methodological, and practical challenges, which can be considered a milestone in the process of think tank construction.

In his speech, PAN also emphasized that China is in a time of opportunities accompanied by risks and challenges, adding to the uncertainty and unpredictable factors. To mitigate risks and tackle challenges effectively, comprehensively deepening reform is required. Think tanks must undertake their responsibility, be the adviser for national macroeconomic policies, the booster of theoretical innovation, and the participant in global governance.

The Symposium released two key think tank research fruits: the "Think Tank Talent Review 2024" and the "Think Tank Journals (Version 2.0)".

The "Think Tank Talent Review 2024", which incorporates the joint efforts of more than 40 experts from over 20 alliance units of the Think Tank Talent Alliance (TTTS) led by CASISD, is China's first comprehensive report on think tank talents. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the status quo and issues concerning think tank talents in China, including the overall structure, training experience, related policies, and development needs. It provides an in-depth analysis of the current problems and challenges, while offering valuable insights into high-end think tank construction.

The "Think Tank Journals (Version 2.0)" is an updated version of academic journals relevant to think tank research. Based on "Think Tank Journals (Version 1.0)", the 2.0 version updated its keyword database and expanded the pool for both Chinese and English journals, ultimately featuring 76 English journals and 77 Chinese journals as representative publications in the think tank research field.

The Symposium, themed "Integrating Theory and Practice, Opening up and Innovation, Promoting High-Quality Development of Think Tanks", attracted over 1000 experts and scholar attendees from various sectors, including the government authorities and companies. An additional 3.2 million participants joined the Symposium online.

Since 2020, the Symposium has been held for 5 years in a row. It has pooled insights from experts in diverse fields, helped exchange ideas, and fostered an innovative atmosphere in think tank theory and practice development. The Symposium has become a pivotal platform with substantial influence in decision-making, society, academics, and the international community.