Abstract: As an important force that drives the building of new think-tanks with Chinese characteristics, universities should make most of their advantages to actively engage in and play their role. The challenges with their institutional mechanisms, research orientation and other aspects, however, stand in the way of this construction. To tackle these challenges, this paper proposes “One Core with Two Impetuses” as the framework and model of building a university-affiliated think-tank. Construction of a think tank should start with the establishment of an independent, autonomous and flexible subject, as well as a management structure. The think-tank should be equipped with a complete, standardized and scientific regulatory system, to achieve institutional breakthroughs and innovations in mechanism. Furthermore, core research teams with appropriate scale, distinct gradient and reasonable structures, as well as peripheral ones with heterogeneity, extensity and research-orientation should be built. At the same time, a platform-oriented research approach through technical means and mechanism design should be put into place. Finally, four interactive systems should be set up to ensure the highly-efficient operation of the think-tank, keep researchers motivated, improve the quality of research and promote the functions of the think-tank.
