The National Survey Research Center at Renmin University of China (NSRC) is an interdisciplinary research institute directly affiliated with Renmin University of China. Since its establishment in 2008, the Center has been dedicated to the scientific, systematic, and comprehensive collection, processing, storage, and development of social science survey data. With core strengths in data collection, data archiving, and data development, NSRC conducts research and innovation in survey methodology and related technologies, undertakes large-scale projects of major scientific and societal significance, and provides robust data support for academic research and evidence-based policy making.

(1)Survey Projects and Core Competencies

Leveraging Renmin University’s strong academic foundation in the social sciences, NSRC integrates extensive institutional and societal resources to build a nationwide survey implementation network. The Center conducts several major national survey programs on an ongoing basis, including:

Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS)

China Education Panel Survey (CEPS)

China Youth Development Survey

China Development Confidence Survey

NSRC also independently developed the Renmin University China Development Index, (RCDI). Together, these initiatives form a large-scale, multi-level, and sustainable infrastructure for generating fundamental social science data.

The Chinese Social Survey Network (CSSN)—jointly established with more than 60 universities nationwide—provides strong national-level collaboration, expanding both the breadth and depth of empirical survey research.

(2)Technical Platforms and Data Infrastructure

NSRC operates the Chinese National Social Survey Data Archive (CNSSDA), commissioned by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. As the first dedicated social science survey data archive in China, CNSSDA has remained freely accessible to the public, pioneering open data sharing nationwide.

To meet the increasing methodological and technological demands of contemporary research, NSRC has developed an integrated hybrid survey platform supporting face-to-face, telephone, and online data collection. The center’s self-developed DataBee Cloud Telephone Survey System offers AI-assisted management, real-time data visualization, and a large professional interviewer pool, significantly enhancing data quality and operational efficiency.

NSRC also maintains a public survey data service platform for university researchers, providing professional and comprehensive data support that promotes interdisciplinary research and contributes to talent development.

(3)Research Outputs and Knowledge Production

Building on its extensive empirical resources, NSRC publishes authoritative annual reports including:

China Development Report

Chinese General Social Survey Report

The center also produces internal data-intelligence series such as China Survey and Capital Survey.

As of 2024, research drawing on CGSS data has resulted in:

6,700+ journal articles

3,000+ master’s and doctoral theses

60+ academic monographs

These outputs demonstrate NSRC’s pivotal role in advancing empirical social science research in China.

(4)Social Services and Policy Impact

NSRC’s research provides direct support for public governance and social development. Key survey findings are translated into thematic reports and policy recommendations, offering essential empirical evidence for government agencies and decision-making bodies. These contributions highlight the critical role of data-driven policy making in the modernization of national governance systems.

(5)External Collaboration and Coordinated Development

Guided by the principles of data-driven research, empirical orientation, application relevance, and service to public institutions and enterprises, NSRC actively collaborates with government departments, social organizations, and industries. Through co-established research bases and cooperative projects, the Center contributes specialized knowledge to the modernization of national governance and the advancement of high-quality socio-economic development.

(6)International Influence and Global Engagement

NSRC serves as a key gateway connecting China’s social survey data with the global academic community. The Center represents China in the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) and initiated the East Asian Social Survey (EASS), contributing to the standardization of cross-national comparative research and enhancing China’s international presence in the social sciences.

Looking ahead, NSRC remains committed to the philosophy that “Data shapes understanding; science guides the future.” The Center will continue to expand its data resources, integrate cutting-edge technologies with social science research, support rigorous empirical inquiry, and contribute to the advancement of global knowledge.