Science and technology communities service science and technology strategy consulting

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China made a key decision to "strengthen scientific and technological strategic consultation." As a critical platform for promoting the reform of the national science and technology system, science and technology associations play an irreplaceable role in carrying out scientific and technological strategic consultation and improving the overall efficiency of the national innovation system. This article utilizes a multi-case study approach to examine the connotations and characteristics of science and technology associations as they support scientific and technological strategic consultation. It comparatively analyzes the development processes, institutional frameworks, organizational structures, as well as the approaches and practices of four representative international science and technology associations-namely, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the German Fraunhofer Society, the Chemical Society of Japan, and the Royal Society of the United Kingdom- and summarizes best practices that can be replicated. In addition, the article presents targeted recommendations for science and technology associations to improve their strategic consultation function in light of the current state of scientific and technological strategic consultation in China.