# China Academy of Information and Communications Technology

> government organization in Haidian, China

**Wikidata**: [Q30262729](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30262729)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/china-academy-of-information-and-communications-technology

## Summary
The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) is a government research organization located in the Haidian District of China. Founded in 1957, it functions as a specialized research institute under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China. The organization is dedicated to information and communications research, distinct from universities due to its specific focus on investigation rather than teaching.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** 1957
- **Location:** Haidian District, People's Republic of China (Coordinates: 39.981766, 116.361809)
- **Parent Organization:** Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China
- **Official Website:** http://www.caict.ac.cn
- **Unified Social Credit ID:** 12100000400009442Y
- **GRID ID:** grid.506907.d
- **ROR ID:** 038dte259
- **Current Official Name:** 中国信息通信研究院 (adopted in 2014)
- **Former Official Name:** 工业和信息化部电信研究院 (used from 2008 to 2014)
- **Entity Type:** Government Agency, Research Institute

## FAQs
### Q: What is the relationship between CAICT and the Chinese government?
CAICT is a government agency that operates under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China.

### Q: Has the organization always been known as CAICT?
No, the organization has undergone name changes. It was officially known as "工业和信息化部电信研究院" (China Academy of Telecommunication Research) from 2008 until 2014, when it changed to its current name, "中国信息通信研究院".

### Q: How is CAICT identified in international research databases?
The institute is indexed in multiple global research identifier systems, including the Global Research Identifier Database (GRID) as `grid.506907.d`, the Research Organization Registry (ROR) as `038dte259`, and the International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI) as `0000000404186914`.

## Why It Matters
As a government-operated research institute, CAICT serves as a dedicated engine for discovery and policy support within China's telecommunications sector. Unlike universities that divide attention between teaching and research, or corporate entities focused on commercial ends, CAICT exists specifically to generate new knowledge and systematic investigation in information and communications technology. It plays a critical role in the national infrastructure by providing the intellectual and technical foundation necessary for government policy and industrial development, addressing complex technological challenges without the distractions of academic administration or profit motives.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Government Function:** Distinguished as a research institute that is also a classified government agency, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and state administration.
- **Historical Longevity:** Established in 1957, making it a long-standing institution in China's technological landscape.
- **Naming Evolution:** Reflects the evolution of Chinese governmental structures through its name changes, specifically aligning with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) structure in 2008 and 2014.
- **Global Integration:** Maintains extensive presence in international bibliographic and research databases (ISNI, GND, VIAF, Ringgold), indicating global recognition of its scholarly output.

## Body

### Organizational Identity and Classification
The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) is formally classified as both a **government agency** and a **research institute**. This dual classification signifies an organization whose primary purpose is to conduct systematic investigation and generate new knowledge, while operating as an operational arm of the state. It is distinct from scientific societies or think tanks; whereas think tanks often focus on broad policy influence, CAICT is an operational entity dedicated to specific research and technical inquiry.

### Naming History and Aliases
The organization has used several names throughout its history, reflecting changes in its administrative alignment.
- **Current Name:** Since 2014, the official name has been **中国信息通信研究院** (China Academy of Information and Communications Technology).
- **Previous Name:** From 2008 to 2014, it was officially known as **工业和信息化部电信研究院** (China Academy of Telecommunication Research).
- **Common Aliases:** The institute is frequently referred to by its abbreviations, **CAICT** and **CATR**, as well as the short form **中国信通院**. It has also been referred to as the China Academy of Posts and Telecommunications.

### Location and Geography
CAICT is headquartered in the **Haidian District** of the **People's Republic of China**. Geographic data identifies its location with precise coordinates:
- **Primary Coordinates:** Latitude 39.981766, Longitude 116.361809.
- **Secondary Reference:** Latitude 39.975641, Longitude 116.337304.
These coordinates place the facility in a major hub for technology and education in Beijing.

### Governance and Administration
The institute functions as a subsidiary of the **Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China**. This parentage links CAICT directly to the central government's regulatory and planning bodies for industrial and technological sectors. Within the Chinese administrative system, it is identified by the **Unified Social Credit ID 12100000400009442Y**.

### Global Identifiers and Authority Control
CAICT is indexed in numerous international library and research databases, ensuring its disambiguation and global recognition:
- **ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier):** 0000000404186914
- **GND (German National Library):** 1076639267
- **VIAF (Virtual International Authority File):** 317092885
- **RINGGOLD ID:** 125807
- **GRID (Global Research Identifier Database):** grid.506907.d
- **ROR (Research Organization Registry):** 038dte259
- **HKCAN (Hong Kong Chinese Authority):** 9811135498403406
- **Canadiana Name Authority:** ncf11148452

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-05-22
2. GRID Release 2019-10-06
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions