The International Technology and Economy Institute (ITEI) was set up in November 1985 by the Development Research Center of the State Council.

As a non-profit institute, it specializes in policy and strategy research on economic and social issues. It provides the central government and ministries with professional advice through analysis of global technological and economic developments.

The institute focuses on developed nations (notably the United States and Japan); the United Nations; and newly-industrialized nations such as Russia, India and Brazil.

It also pays attention to new, high-tech developments around the world, especially in the fields of biology, energy, aviation, space technology, ecology, environment, and new materials.

At the same time, it is responsible for promoting international cooperation and exchanges. It has relationships with organizations, renowned universities and prestigious research agencies around the globe, carrying out research, visits and conferences.

The institute has more than 20 such partners, including the US's Rand Corp, Stanford Research Institute, Brookings Institution, Texas A&M University and Duke University. It also works with the UK’s International Institute for Strategic Studies and Australian National University.