AFTER rumours earlier this year that it might close, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences now finds itself playing an important role in the campaign 'to strengthen the nation through science and education'.
The academy, with the status of a ministry under the State Council, has served as a think-tank for leaders in the past. But this role is being challenged by budget constraints and competition from other elite educational institutions such as Qinghua and Beijing universities.
'The overall target of the academy's future development plan is to boost 31 of its research institutes, such as economics, archaeology, history and literature, into world-class institutes,' vice-president Ru Xin said this week in Hong Kong at a conference at Chinese University.
He said the academy had trouble recruiting talented staff because it offered less appealing conditions than other academic institutions, particularly housing.
But appointing for the first time a politburo member, Li Tieying, as president offered some hope.
'With Mr Li as our president, the fight to seek financial backing has received a lot more support,' Professor Ru said.
