Scientific advice in China: The changing role of the Chinese Academy of Sciences

Abstract

This article explores the changing role of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in the national scientific advisory system in China from an historical perspective, which has been divided into three periods. Period I (from 1949 to 1976) relates to the era during which, since its establishment, CAS assumed the role of the top-level scientific advisor to the Chinese government, and its dual role of “scientific advisory body” and “science and technology administrative organ” were especially evident during the formulation of “The Twelve-Year National Long-term Outline for Science and Technology Development (1956–1967)”. During period II (from 1977 to 2011) the function of providing scientific advice to the government was restored after the “Cultural Revolution”, and CAS entered a new era of unprecedented prosperity and development. Finally, period III (from 2012 to present) includes Chinese President Xi Jinping taking office, and the central government encouraging the development of science and technology think tanks, using third-party evaluation as an important measure and approach to promote the reform of the government management system. In summary, the new government attaches great importance to CAS, urging it, as a third-party organization, to fully play its role as a scientific advisor and further develop its capability and approaches to consulting, and improve its organizational structure. Given its prominent position in the Chinese scientific advisory system, the changing role of CAS also reflects the characteristics and changes in China’s scientific advice throughout different periods. This article is published as part of a collection on scientific advice to governments.