On The Operating Mechanism Of American University-Based Think Tanks

Think tanks, also known as "brain", have already existed in ancient times. But the think tanks in the modern sense were born and developed since the 20th century in order to deal with complex international and domestic political situations in the western countries. The main task of modern think tanks which are mainly engaged in the service of the government, enterprises and other social organizations is Public Policy Research.The definition of think tanks varies from different scholars. Generally think tanks are described as independent and non-profit policy research organization. The academic classifications of think tanks also varies in different countries. As one type of think tanks, University-Based think tanks are the research institutions affiliated with universities, and their core membership is formed by professors.This paper introduces the triangle coordination model from Burton Clark as an analytical framework which analyzes the operating mechanism of American University-Based think tanks in three aspects which are political authorities, marketing and academics.The analysis shows that the efficiency of the operating mechanism of American University-Based think tanks is inseparable from the organic integration and coordinated development of political authorities, marketing and academics. Market demands can make American University-Based think tanks to be more sensitive and more quickly to study on specific hot issues.The academic basis of US universities enhanced the academic research capabilities of American University-Based think tanks.And the moderate management and public policy consultation demands of the US government makes University-Based think tanks to be able to maintain its independence and to obtain governmental support also.And through the smooth communication channels with the government, the research results of US University-Based think tanks can turn into practical policies more efficiently. The three aspects which are indispensable and complementary jointly ensure the leading position of American University-Based think tanks. In addition, the paper also studied the internal management of American University-Based think tanks in three areas of staff, research results and financial management in order to find out its advantages. In staff management, the recruitment, training, use and assessment methods of the staff are flexible in the US.And the "revolving door" mechanism facilitated personnel exchan ges. In research management,spreading out the research results effectively can expand t he influence of US University-Based think tanks.In financial management, the diversific ation of funding sources ensured the development of think tanks.On this basis, the paper compared the Chinese University-Based think tanks with American ones, mainly from politics, marketing and academics. The study found that compared to the United States, the political mechanism of Chinese think tanks is more powerful, while the academic and market mechanisms are weaker, which is no good for long-term development. In political mechanism, Chinese University-Based think tanks are dependent on the government overly.In order to solve this problem.the Government can buy the research results from the think tanks as a kind of financial support.And we can facilitate personnel exchanges by the "revolving door" mechanism. Make full use of think tanks and open channels of communication. In the market mechanism, most think tanks are not market-oriented. We should establish a market-oriented mechanism of think tanks, which is also demand-oriented and problem-oriented. While the government should carry out effective supervision over the market. In academic mechanism, the academic power of think tanks is relatively weak, while maintaining objectivity and independence of research needs institutional changes and the reform of the assessment system.