Think tanks are institutions that specialize in policy research and are known for their stability and relative independence. These organizations employ scientific research methods to conduct interdisciplinary studies on various policy issues and offer consultation on related matters. Think tanks can be categorized into four types based on their institutional settings: "official think tanks, semi-official think tanks, university-affiliated think tanks, and civil think tanks". Civil think tanks, also referred to as social think tanks or private think tanks, are public policy research institutions with independent identities, financial autonomy, operational independence, and academic impartiality. The key distinction between civil think tanks and governmental or university-affiliated think tanks lies in their relationship with the government or policymakers, as well as their sources of scientific research funding.
Despite efforts made at both the national and organizational levels, civil think tanks continue to face challenges in their practical operations due to the complex political, economic, and social environment. In China, more than ninety percent of think tanks are official or semi-official, which puts civil think tanks at a disadvantage in terms of competition and diminishes their trust and influence in society. Furthermore, many civil think tanks struggle to secure funding as they are independent of governments. Additionally, civil think tanks often face difficulties attracting talented individuals from diverse industries, which is crucial for their growth. Another common issue is the lack of integrated governance mechanisms in most social think tanks; they either lack a management system or possess an ineffective one. These challenges encompass aspects such as independence, competitive environment, funding sources, talent acquisition, and management mechanisms. Therefore, it is essential to innovate a suitable business model and establish a practical management framework to foster the development of civil think tanks.
This study focuses on the Youthink Center, a prominent civil think tank in China established in 2009. The center's mission is to build an ecosystem that supports young leaders in learning, advocating, and taking action on various topics, including sustainable development goals, climate change, and social business. The Youthink Center concentrates on creating high-quality youth development projects across different themes, such as global development, innovation and entrepreneurship, and social welfare. As an organization that has evolved from a student volunteer group to a think tank, the Youthink Center has made significant strides in enhancing its social influence. However, it faces challenges related to its business model's positioning, stagnation in expanding its influence, and low work efficiency caused by an imperfect management mechanism.
This book aims to explore the business model and management mechanism of civil think tanks from various dimensions. It will also provide suggestions for improving the business model and refining the management framework. The study holds relevance for the think tank industry as a whole and specifically for the case organization, Youthink Center. The findings of this study could prove valuable in enhancing operational efficiency, increasing competitiveness, and expanding influence for the Youthink Center and other civil think tanks facing similar circumstances. Additionally, the results may serve as a case study analysis for future researchers interested in further research on this subject.
