Core Viewpoint - The retention of talent has become a critical issue in the development of think tanks in China, which are essential for modern governance and international discourse [1]. Group 1: Current State of Think Tanks - Think tanks in China have rapidly developed and are crucial for policy-making and enhancing national soft power [1]. - There are underlying issues in the current think tank construction, questioning whether there is "intelligence without a library" or "a library without intelligence" [1]. - The quality and impact of research outcomes are increasingly important amidst the growing number of think tanks [1]. Group 2: CTTI System and Its Impact - The China Think Tank Index (CTTI) was developed to address the need for data-driven evaluation of think tanks, moving beyond subjective assessments [2][3]. - CTTI serves as a platform for evaluating think tanks, ensuring that only those with high quality are included, thus forming a loose alliance of excellent think tanks [3][5]. - The CTTI evaluation system includes various dimensions such as legality, expert team composition, funding, research outcomes, and influence [6][7]. Group 3: Characteristics of New-Type Think Tanks - The concept of "new-type think tanks" in China reflects a shift towards global governance and the need for international dialogue [8][10]. - Mechanisms and research paradigms have evolved, with new think tanks utilizing big data and AI for policy research [11][12]. - The new-type think tanks must possess international perspectives and engage in disseminating Chinese policies globally [14][16]. Group 4: Challenges in Talent Retention - The competition for talent is fierce, with many young scholars preferring academic institutions over think tanks due to clearer career paths [32]. - The lack of a "revolving door" mechanism in most think tanks limits their attractiveness to young scholars who aspire to influence public policy [32]. - Think tanks must create opportunities for young scholars to grow and take on responsibilities to enhance their appeal [33]. Group 5: Research Quality and Data Challenges - A significant barrier to producing high-quality research is the lack of accessible data, which is often hindered by a culture of data secrecy [29][30]. - Many think tanks do not fully recognize the importance of systematic data accumulation, focusing instead on immediate outputs [29][30]. - The absence of critical thinking and innovative ideas among researchers further hampers the quality of research outcomes [30]. Group 6: Differences Between Academic and Policy Research - The primary distinction between academic and policy research lies in the latter's focus on translating research findings into actionable policy recommendations [19][20]. - Think tank researchers must consider the applicability and feasibility of their policy suggestions, which is not a primary concern in academic research [19][20]. Group 7: Recommendations for Future Scholars - Future scholars should cultivate a genuine passion for public service and recognize the significance of their work in contributing to societal welfare [35][36]. - It is essential for scholars to maintain a balance between academic rigor and the practical demands of policy research [36].