Recently, Shandong University (SDU) has been selected by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as one of the 40 "Cultural and Tourism Research Bases (2023-25)" this year. Two distinguished professors, Zhang Shishan from the Institute of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and Wang Degang from the School of Management, have been appointed as chief experts for this project.

The project aims to strengthen the establishment of new think tanks in the cultural and tourism fields, promote high-quality development and implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress.

The Institute of Intangible Cultural Heritage, established in 2021, has been recognized as an approved base under the project. Its predecessor was the SDU's Folklore Research Center, built in 1987 as the earliest independent institution for folklore studies in China with strong academic strength. The goal of the approved base is to conduct in-depth research on the policies of safeguarding ICH in China and abroad, summarize successful experiences and existing issues in protecting and managing key ICH projects, explore ICH resources, and promote the theoretical construction of ICH to support the development of contemporary society.  

The School of Management has two first-level doctoral degree authorization points in business administration, management science, and postdoctoral research stations. It is another approved base under the project, endeavoring to build a new, open, international high-end think tank and accelerate the integrated development of culture and tourism across the country.

The think tank will adopt interdisciplinary and industry-research integration methods to focus on crucial tasks and provide academic support for the government and enterprises in decision-making consulting, management, operation, and talent training.