Abstract: ［Purpose/Significance］This paper discusses the main reason of think tank research transforming from academic edge to academic frontier. In order to demonstrate the hypothesis that national policy changes promote academic frontier evolution in philosophy and social science.［Design/Methodology］By using the method of bibliometrics, this paper conducts an in-depth data-based analysis on the formal characteristics and content changes of the literature about think tanks around 2016. 
［Findings/Conclusion］According to the national projects and development needs, scholars from different disciplines have started and strengthened the think tanks research from different perspectives. After 2016, the growth of research achievements has  accelerated and the diversity of research topics has increased.Research on think tanks has shifted from academic edge to academic frontier.［Originality/Value］Taking the case of think tank research shifting from academic edge to academic frontier as an example, this paper demonstrates the relationship between the  national policy changes and transformation of academic frontiers.

Key words: Think tank research, National policy, Academic frontier, Bibliometric analysis