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 is 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 is staff allowed to take part in election campaigns or activities sponsored by political parties.


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 is 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.


Research Area

Projects undertaken by the Institute may be grouped into five major research areas, namely: economic, social, political, legal and cultural.


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 Appendix for our List of Publications.


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.

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 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 directions:

(1) the economic and social development of the HKSAR;

(2) the theory and implementation of the concept of “One Country Two Systems”, and the execution of the Basic Law in the HKSAR;

(3) the social, economic and political relationship between the HKSAR and neighbouring areas such as other parts of China including Macau and Taiwan as well as Southeast Asia;

(4) the promotion of intellectual exchange in the above topics; and,

(5) the promotion of the research findings of the Institute.


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.


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 25 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.

 

For Further Information

Please contact the Institute at:
Portion B, 61st Floor,
Bank of China Tower,
No. 1 Garden Road,
Central, Hong Kong.

Telephone: (852) 2325 3580
Facsimile: (852) 2537 1640
E-mail: general@octs.org.hk