From indicators to systems: Logical evolution, practical challenges, and policy recommendations of think tank evaluation in China

Over a decade has passed since the issuance of the “Opinions on Strengthening the Construction of New Types of Think Tanks with Chinese Characteristics”. During this period, the number of think tanks in China has continued to grow, and evaluation activities have evolved from spontaneous exploration to institutionalized practice. Examining think tank evaluation from both the supply and demand sides of think tank development, this study systematically reviews the practical progress and theoretical exploration of think tank evaluation in China over the past decade. Building upon an analysis of the conceptual connotation of think tank evaluation, the study argues that the key to evaluation lies not in indicator design, but in clarifying the fundamental purposes and intentions of evaluation. The study identifies several challenges confronting the current evaluation system: the theoretical premises of think tank evaluation have not been fully clarified; standardized evaluation criteria are inadequate for accommodating the diversity of think tank types and developmental stages; the short-cycle orientation of annual performance assessments neglects the cultivation of latent foundational capacities such as data accumulation, methodological reserves, and talent development; and the unidirectional operation of evaluation processes undermines the diagnostic and developmental functions of evaluation. In response to these issues, this study proposes optimization pathways from multiple dimensions, including broadening the functional positioning of evaluation, integrating KPI and OKR management concepts, introducing deliberative mechanisms informed by responsive evaluation theory, and establishing a differentiated and dynamic system of evaluation indicators and weightings. The study further argues that Chinese think tank evaluation should shift from pursuing a single set of perfect indicators toward building a collaborative evaluation ecosystem involving multiple stakeholders, so as to promote improvement through evaluation and serve the high-quality development of new types of think tanks with Chinese characteristics.