About Us
Position
An non-government public
policy research institute of Hong Kong
A non-government,
public organization
Non-profit-making
Not affiliated with
any political party or political organization, nor participate in political or
electoral campaigns
The One
Country Two Systems Research Institute (the Institute) is a
privately-funded research institute, founded in 1990 by individuals of social
standing who are concerned with the well-being of Hong Kong. It is registered
in Hong Kong as a non-profit-making company with limited liability, and has
been granted the status of a charitable organization of public interest by the
Hong Kong Government.
For
almost a decade, the Institute focused its researches and proposals on public
policy on issues related to the transition of Hong Kong and on the
implementation of the Basic Law. In response to the natural course of events
since the establishment of the HKSAR on July 1, 1997, the Institute has been
focusing its researches on major social and economic issues of the HKSAR, as
well as the economic and co-operative relationship between the HKSAR and its
neighboring areas, particularly, the Mainland. It continues to serve as a
non-government public policy think tank.
The
Institute is not a political organization. It does not sponsor or support, and
is not affiliated with any political organization. Neither does it take part in
political or electoral campaigns nor does it nominate or endorse candidates for
elections. No member of the Institute is allowed to run election under the name
of the Institute, nor are staff allowed to take part in election campaigns or
activities sponsored by political parties.
Credo and Working Principles
Hong Kong is part of China and should strive together for prosperity
and development.
The Institute upholds the principles of "One Country Two
Systems", High Autonomy for Hong Kong, Hong Kong People Ruling Hong Kong
and supports the Basic Law.
Hong Kong should work incessantly for its own good, develop its own
community and maintain close links with the international community.
Keep in mind the overall and long-term interests of Hong Kong.
Respect and defend rights and interests of individuals and groups.
Public policy should be laid down with due consideration of
knowledge, research, open discussion and public participation.
Respect Public Opinion: recognizes the importance of mass media in
influencing public policy.
Public policy research should be done independently, objectively and
constructively in order to put forward proposals and suggestions on social
issues. Research findings should be open to public scrutiny when appropriate.
The Institute will participate in the making of public policy,
organize and take part in discussion of public policy with an open mind.
The Institute will strive to become a highly esteemed and respectable
opinion think tank in an open, pluralistic and knowledge-based society.
As an Agent for the Exchange of Ideas and Information
The
Board
of Directors of the Institute is responsible for setting the basic
policy of the Institute. The Executive Committee is responsible for planning
and execution of its working program. The Institute also invites individuals of
social standing to form an Advisory Council to provide opinions on its
operation.
Administrative
responsibilities are taken up by a team of full-time staff. Its pool of
research staff are recruited locally, including graduates from the Mainland and
from overseas.
Other
than research, the Institute also sponsors academic and professional research
projects. Where appropriate, it collaborates with experts, academic
institutions and professional organizations. Diverse opinion from experts of
various fields and professions are solicited and received with due
consideration in researches and making policy proposals.
Since
its establishment, the Institute has been working closely with academic
institutions as well as commercial and industrial organizations in studies
related to economic development and government policies of Hong Kong. The
Institute also maintains important links and working relationship with policy
research institutes on the Mainland and regularly organizes joint seminars and
talks to foster, among local business, better understanding of both the Central
and Regional Government policies as well as to promote social, economic,
commercial and academic exchanges between the HKSAR and the Mainland.
As a Public Service
The
Institute submits its research findings to the HKSAR government and/or to other
organizations interested in the results. Research findings involving public
interest are for the most part open to public scrutiny, where pertinent and
constructive criticisms are seriously taken into consideration.
Areas of Work
The
Institute primarily though not exclusively concentrates on five areas:
- the economic and social development of the
HKSAR;
- the theory and implementation of the concept of
"One Country Two Systems", and the execution of the Basic Law in
the HKSAR;
- the social, economic and political relationship
between the HKSAR and neighboring areas such as other parts of China
including Macau and Taiwan as well as Southeast Asia;
- the promotion of intellectual exchange in the
above topics; and,
- the promotion of the research findings of the
Institute.
Current Research Projects
At present, projects
undertaken by the Institute are grouped into five major research areas,
namely: economic, social, political, legal and cultural.
Activities
To
assist in researches and to encourage intellectual exchange, the Institute
frequently holds seminars and conferences. Scholars and experts from the
Mainland and abroad are invited to share their opinions, insights and research
findings for the benefit of all.
In
addition, the Institute organizes reciprocal visits and study tours for
academics and for the business sectors between Hong Kong and the Mainland on
regular basis. Such visits and tours help to cultivate deeper understanding of
the social and economic conditions of both communities. Please refer to our activities (in
Chinese only).
Publications
The
Institute publishes its own research findings for public circulation. It also
seeks to publish related studies by other experts and scholars. Please refer to
our List of Publications (in Chinese
only).
Facilities
The
Institute maintains a data bank which provides easy access to reference books,
documents, newspaper clippings and other types of information. It has a
conference room with a capacity of 20-30 people for seminars and discussions.
The
Institute also assists and sponsors visiting scholars and experts from the
Mainland and abroad for both long-term and short-term research studies at the
Institute.
Subsidiary
The
Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Centre Limited (the Centre) was established
in 1996 as a fully owned subsidiary of the Institute. The Centre has also been
granted the status of a charitable organization of public interest by the HKSAR
Government. Its major function is to provide professional public opinion
polling for the research projects of the Institute as well as outside
individuals and organizations.