Forming a Powerful Driving Force for Comprehensively Deepening Reform through High-Quality Investigation and Research

Investigation and research, as a heirloom of the Party’s close ties with the masses, have run through all historical periods of revolution, construction, and reform. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping has upheld the fine tradition of the Communist Party of China in valuing investigation and research, attached great importance to this work, and formed a series of original theses on investigation and research, providing practical guidance for deepening investigation and research in the New Era.

调查研究作为党密切联系群众的传家宝，始终贯穿于革命、建设、改革的各个历史时期。党的十八大以来，习近平总书记秉承中国共产党注重调查研究的优良传统，高度重视调查研究工作，形成了一系列关于调查研究的原创性论断，为新时代深入开展调查研究工作提供了实践遵循。

General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized at the 20th National Congress of the CPC: “Carry forward the Party’s glorious traditions and fine conduct, and encourage Party officials, especially leading officials, to take the lead in conducting investigation and research, to get down to practical work, devise practical measures, and seek practical results.” [1]1 Xi Jinping, “Hold High the Great On the new journey of the New Era, we are at a critical juncture in comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization. We must make good use of investigation and research, this heirloom of the Party, striving for “depth, substance, detail, accuracy, and effectiveness,” [2]2 A classical Chinese saying from the Qing dynasty text *The Exposition of the Art of War* (《寤言》), emphasizing the necessity of a holistic perspective. identify the starting point, focal point, breakthrough point, and foothold of reform, find good methods and new pathways to solve reform difficulties, and enhance the systemic, holistic, and coordinated nature of reform.

习近平总书记在党的二十大报告中强调：“弘扬党的光荣传统和优良作风，促进党员干部特别是领导干部带头深入调查研究，扑下身子干实事、谋实招、求实效。”新时代新征程，我们正处在以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业的关键时期，必须用好调查研究这个党的传家宝，务求“深、实、细、准、效”，找准改革出发点、发力点、突破点、落脚点，找出破解改革难题的好办法和新路径，增强改革系统性、整体性、协同性。

Cultivate Deep Feelings for the People

厚植人民情怀

We must uphold the principle of putting the people first, and conduct in-depth investigation and research from the perspective of the people’s overall, fundamental, and long-term interests, to plan and advance reform. Investigation and research are an important way to practice the mass line of the Party, and also an essential requirement for realizing, safeguarding, and developing the fundamental interests of the people. To do investigation and research well, we must always stand firmly on the side of the people, adhere to the mass line, care for the masses, trust the masses, and learn from the masses. General Secretary Xi Jinping explicitly demands: “Take the people as teachers, learn from the people, set aside airs, get down to the grassroots, stay grounded and understand the situation below, conduct in-depth investigation and research, dissect sparrows, [3]3 A term used by Xi Jinping to refer to the most fundamental interests and strategic priorities of the state, such as national security, development, and stability. discover typical cases, truly uncover the problems faced by the masses, reflect the opinions of the masses, and summarize the experience created by the masses.”

要坚持人民至上，从人民整体利益、根本利益、长远利益出发深入开展调查研究，谋划和推进改革。调查研究是践行党的群众路线的重要途径，也是实现好、维护好、发展好人民根本利益的本质要求。做好调查研究要始终站稳人民立场，坚持走群众路线，关心群众、信任群众、向群众学习。习近平总书记明确要求：“要拜人民为师、向人民学习，放下架子、扑下身子，接地气、通下情，深入开展调查研究，解剖麻雀，发现典型，真正把群众面临的问题发现出来，把群众的意见反映上来，把群众创造的经验总结出来。”

The people harbor infinite wisdom and creativity, and are the solid foundation of the Communist Party of China’s governance. To conduct in-depth investigation and research, one must be patient before the people, humble oneself, be open-minded, seek advice from the people, and gather precious wisdom for governing and rejuvenating the country. We must go to places where the masses have many opinions, and more often to places where work is poorly done. We must listen not only to what the masses say that pleases us, but also to what they say that displeases us. Only then can we hear the truth, see the real situation, and achieve practical results. Faced with the “displeasing words” of the people, the vast number of Party officials and cadres must listen patiently and actively adopt them. Only by being able to listen can they remember well, see the true situation at the grassroots, and make correct judgments. “Only the one living in a house knows its leaks; only the one in the wilds knows the failings of governance.” [4]4 A metaphor for in-depth case study, derived from Mao Zedong’s advocacy of investigating a single, typical case to understand general patterns. Relying solely on mountains of documents and seas of meetings cannot reveal the crux of the problem. Sitting together and talking together with grassroots masses, having more “face-to-face” interactions and fewer “screen-to-screen” ones, can truly implement the purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly.

人民蕴藏着无穷的智慧和创造力，是中国共产党执政的坚实根基。深入开展调查研究，在人民面前要耐住性子、俯下身子，虚怀若谷，问计于民，凝聚执政兴国的宝贵智慧。要到群众意见多的地方去，多到工作做得差的地方去，既要听群众的顺耳话，也要听群众的逆耳言，这样才能听到实话、察到实情、收到实效。面对人民的“逆耳言”，广大党员干部要耐心倾听、积极采纳，只有听得进，才能记得牢，看清基层真实情况，作出正确研判。“知屋漏者在宇下，知政失者在草野”，仅靠文山会海，不能看到问题的症结所在。同基层群众坐在一起、谈在一起，多一些“面对面”，少一些“键对键”，才能真正落实全心全意为人民服务的宗旨。

Uphold a Pragmatic Work Style

秉持务实作风

Seeking truth from facts is an important magic weapon for advancing reform. Since the founding of New China, especially over the more than 40 years of reform and opening up, the Communist Party of China has always adhered to the basic principle of seeking truth from facts, based on the country’s fundamental national conditions, and through continuous investigation and research, gathered wisdom and strength for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

实事求是是推进改革的重要法宝。新中国成立以来，特别是改革开放40余年来，中国共产党始终坚持实事求是的基本原则，立足我国的基本国情，通过持续不断的调查研究，为中华民族伟大复兴汇智聚力。

Investigation and research tolerate no sloppiness; we must adhere to the principle of seeking truth from facts, establish a work style of seeking truth and being pragmatic, and have the courage to pursue truth and correct mistakes. We must truly focus our efforts on seeing the real situation, devising practical measures, doing practical work, and seeking practical results, achieving the principle of “not relying solely on books, not relying solely on superiors, only relying on facts.” [5]5 The Two Establishments refer to establishing Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The Two Upholds refer to upholding Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and upholding the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee. That kind of “showy” investigation and research—where one “starts with a carload of people, holds meetings in a room full of people, and gives speeches by reading a script”—cannot see the real situation, gain true knowledge, or draw correct conclusions. Only by keeping our eyes downward, understanding the actual situation through multiple channels, comprehensively and objectively and accurately grasping first-hand materials, can we see the full picture and provide a true basis for scientific decision-making. Investigation and research must uphold a work style of seeking truth and being pragmatic, insisting on “traveling light with few attendants, reducing accompaniment, simplifying reception, not posting or hanging banners or slogans, not arranging for the masses to welcome or see off, not laying out welcome carpets, not placing flowers, and not arranging banquets.” [6] Only by doing practical work can we walk in the forefront. Only by adhering to the attitude of seeking truth from facts can we go deep into reality, understand reality, and make investigation and research deep and solid, and thoroughly grasp the situation. In summary, seeking truth from facts is the fundamental guideline for conducting investigation and research, and it is a powerful ideological guarantee for overcoming various difficulties and obstacles, comprehensively solving reform problems, and achieving the grand goal of socialist modernization.

调查研究容不得半点马虎，必须坚持实事求是的原则，树立求真务实的作风，具有追求真理、修正错误的勇气。要真正把功夫下到察实情、出实招、办实事、求实效上，做到不唯书、不唯上，只唯实。那种“出发一车子、开会一屋子、发言念稿子”的作秀式调研，是看不清实情、得不到真知、做不出正确结论的。只有坚持眼睛向下，多渠道、全方位、各领域了解实际情况，全面、客观、准确掌握第一手材料，才能窥其全貌，为科学决策提供真实依据。调查研究要秉持求真务实的工作作风，坚持“轻车简从、减少陪同、简化接待，不张贴悬挂标语横幅，不安排群众迎送，不铺设迎宾地毯，不摆放花草，不安排宴请”。只有干在实处，才能走在前列。只有坚持实事求是的态度，才能深入实际、了解实际，把调研做深做实、情况摸透摸实。概言之，实事求是是开展调查研究的根本遵循，是我们战胜各种艰难险阻、全面破解改革难题、实现社会主义现代化宏伟目标的强大思想保证。

Focus on Development Practice

聚焦发展实践

Wherever reform points, investigation and research should follow. Problems are the starting point and driving force of reform and innovation, and also the breakthrough point of reform and innovation. Only by basing ourselves on the times can we promote social progress.

改革所指皆为调研所向。问题是改革创新的起点和动力源，也是改革创新的突破口。只有立足时代，才能推动社会进步。

Adhering to a problem-oriented approach means facing problems squarely, not ignoring them. Conducting investigation and research must have a clear problem orientation, and must not “grab at eyebrows and beards all at once,” [7] which is a necessary prerequisite for ensuring “prescribing the right medicine for the illness” and making scientific decisions. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized at various occasions that Party officials and cadres must deepen investigation and research on major reform and development issues, “listen as much as possible to the voices from the grassroots and the front line, and get in touch as much as possible with first-hand materials, so as to have a clear picture of important situations.” [8] “We must not only ‘physically go down’ to the grassroots, but also ‘mentally go down’ to the grassroots, listen to the truth, see the real situation, truly study problems and study real problems, and not engage in showy investigation and research, potted-plant-style investigation and research, or dragonfly-skimming-the-water-style investigation and research.” [9] Superficial glances, gulping down without chewing, and being physically present but not mentally engaged will not do.

坚持问题导向要做到正视问题，而不是忽略问题。开展调查研究必须要有鲜明的问题导向，切不可“眉毛胡子一把抓”，这是确保“对症下药”、科学决策的必要前提。党的十八大以来，习近平总书记在不同场合反复强调党员干部要深化对重大改革发展问题的调研，“尽可能多听一听基层和一线的声音，尽可能多接触第一手材料，做到重要情况心中有数”。“既要‘身入’基层，更要‘心到’基层，听真话、察真情，真研究问题、研究真问题，不能搞作秀式调研、盆景式调研、蜻蜓点水式调研”。浮光掠影、囫囵吞枣、人到心不到是不行的。

Adhering to a problem-oriented approach also means analyzing and solving problems, not shelving them. We must be good at analyzing the principal contradiction and secondary contradictions, clarifying the key points and difficulties of the problems, and grasping the laws of development of things through complex and confusing appearances. Only by “thinking problems through deeply, thoroughly, and completely” [10] can we master the initiative in investigation and research. To avoid “formalist” investigation and research, we must carefully analyze and scientifically evaluate the problems discovered, sort out weaknesses and shortcomings, systematically study and plan, formulate specific reform measures with high feasibility and operability, and continuously enhance the people’s sense of gain, happiness, and security.

坚持问题导向，还要做到分析问题、解决问题，而不是搁置问题。要善于分析主要矛盾和次要矛盾，明晰问题的重点与难点，透过纷繁复杂的表象把握事物发展规律。只有“把问题想深、想细、想透”，才能掌握调查研究的主动权。为避免“形式主义”调研，针对发现的问题要认真分析、科学研判，梳理短板弱项，系统研究谋划，制定可行性高、操作性强的具体改革措施，不断增强人民群众的获得感、幸福感、安全感。

Face Difficulties and Challenges Head-On

直面困难挑战

“When a boat reaches the midstream, the waves are more turbulent; when a person reaches the halfway point of a mountain, the path is steeper.” [11] We must focus on solving the problem of overcoming difficulties. Investigation and research are the basic skills for responding to risks and challenges and doing all work well. The quality of investigation and research directly affects the formulation and implementation of the country’s major policies. Only through in-depth investigation and research can we further grasp the essence and laws of the development of things, and thus find effective ways and methods to solve difficult problems.

“船到中流浪更急、人到半山路更陡”，我们必须重点解决好攻坚克难的问题。调查研究是应对风险挑战、做好各项工作的基本功。调查研究好不好，直接关系国家大政方针的制定落实。通过深入调查研究，我们才能进一步把握事物发展的本质和规律，从而找到解决难题的有效途径和方法。

The vast number of leading Party officials and cadres must carry forward the spirit of struggle, resolutely put an end to “preferring the rich over the poor” investigation and research, and not only go to places with outstanding work achievements to conduct investigation and research, but also go to places with complex situations and prominent contradictions to understand the situation. The more full of problems and challenges, the more prominent the contradictions, the less we should harbor doubts and be timid. Only by facing difficulties head-on and rising to the challenge can we truly temper our courage, sharpen our will, and cultivate excellent skills. Leading Party officials and cadres must not be afraid of “hot potatoes,” [12] fully exert their subjective initiative, strengthen their awareness of struggle, not be perfunctory or shirk responsibility, dare to wade through dangerous shoals and break through difficulties, and demonstrate their actions and responsibilities in calmly breaking the deadlock, promoting high-level reform through high-quality investigation and research.

广大党员领导干部要发扬斗争精神，坚决杜绝“嫌贫爱富式”调研，不能只到工作成绩突出的地方开展调研，却不到情况复杂和矛盾突出的地方了解情况。越是充满问题挑战，越是矛盾突出，越不能心存疑虑、畏首畏尾。只有直面困难、迎难而上，才能真正锤炼胆略、磨砺意志，练就过硬本领。党员领导干部要不怕“烫手山芋”，充分发挥主观能动性、强化斗争意识，不敷衍塞责、不推诿扯皮，敢于涉险滩、破难题，在沉着破局中展现作为与担当，以高质量调研推动高水平改革。

Achieve Point-to-Area Promotion

实现以点带面

Adhering to a systemic perspective is an important principle that must be implemented in further comprehensively deepening reform. We must properly handle major relationships such as between the economy and society, the government and the market, efficiency and fairness, vitality and order, and development and security. The systemic perspective is not only an important category of Marxist epistemology and methodology, but also an important part of the worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. To make good use of the heirloom of investigation and research, we must fully and accurately understand and implement the systemic perspective, and properly handle the relationships between the macro and the micro, the whole and the part, and the special and the general.

坚持系统观念是进一步全面深化改革必须贯彻的重要原则。要切实处理好经济和社会、政府和市场、效率和公平、活力和秩序、发展和安全等重大关系。系统观念既是马克思主义认识论和方法论的重要范畴，也是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想世界观和方法论的重要内容。用好调查研究这个传家宝，必须完整准确理解贯彻系统观念，处理好宏观与微观、整体与部分、特殊与一般的关系。

Chinese-path modernization is a vivid portrayal of the deep coupling and systematic integration of the economy, politics, culture, society, and ecological civilization; it cannot rely solely on development in a single field or aspect. Only through systematic planning and overall consideration can we steadily advance the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country. “One who does not plan for the whole is inadequate to plan for a part.” [2]2 A classical Chinese saying from the Qing dynasty text *The Exposition of the Art of War* (《寤言》), emphasizing the necessity of a holistic perspective. General Secretary Xi Jinping, bearing in mind the “greatest concerns of the state,” [3]3 A term used by Xi Jinping to refer to the most fundamental interests and strategic priorities of the state, such as national security, development, and stability. emphasizes that “emphasizing systematicity, wholeness, and synergy is an inherent requirement of comprehensively deepening reform and also an important method for advancing reform.” Adhering to a systematic concept in conducting investigation and research neither engages in a superficial glance at everything nor takes a partial view. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out that the investigation and research methods commonly used in the past, such as “stationing at a point for investigation” and “dissecting a sparrow,” [4]4 A metaphor for in-depth case study, derived from Mao Zedong’s advocacy of investigating a single, typical case to understand general patterns. remain effective. Only by delving deeply into prominent problems and typical cases can we dissect the “sparrow” well, promote scientific decision-making, and achieve the effect of “seeing the big from the small and perceiving the whole from a clue.”

中国式现代化是经济、政治、文化、社会、生态文明深度耦合、系统集成的生动写照，不能仅靠某个领域、某一方面的发展。只有系统谋划、统筹兼顾，才能推进全面建设社会主义现代化国家稳步前进。“不谋全局者，不足谋一域。”习近平总书记胸怀“国之大者”，强调“注重系统性、整体性、协同性是全面深化改革的内在要求，也是推进改革的重要方法”。坚持系统观念开展调查研究，既不搞走马观花、面面俱到，也不以偏概全。习近平总书记指出，过去常用的“蹲点调研”“解剖麻雀”的调研方式依然是管用的。只有通过对突出问题、典型案例的深究，才能解剖好“麻雀”，推动科学决策，达到“以小见大、见微知著”的功效。

In a word, to strengthen investigation and research to advance deepening reform, the key point is to deeply study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discourses and instructions on investigation and research, and the crucial point is to ensure implementation and seek practical results. Leading Party members and cadres at all levels must further enhance their political consciousness, ideological consciousness, and action consciousness in doing a good job of investigation and research, and continuously improve their ability and capability to promote reform. They must steady the “steering wheel” of investigation and research, accurately discover problems, deeply analyze problems, and study and solve problems among the masses, striving to deepen the investigation and make the report substantive, both persevering and achieving good results. They must regard investigation and research as a concrete practice of firmly upholding the Two Establishments and resolutely achieving the Two Upholds, [5]5 The Two Establishments refer to establishing Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The Two Upholds refer to upholding Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and upholding the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee. as the political resolve to consistently and comprehensively deepen reform, and as an effective way to practically transform work style and closely connect with the masses, truly becoming experts in investigation and research, using in-depth investigation and research to solve reform difficulties, and injecting powerful impetus into advancing Chinese-path modernization.

一言以蔽之，加强调查研究推进深化改革，重点是深入学习贯彻习近平总书记关于调查研究的重要论述和重要指示精神，关键是抓好落实、务求实效。各级党员领导干部要进一步增强做好调查研究的政治自觉、思想自觉和行动自觉，不断提升推动改革的能力本领。要把稳调查研究的“方向舵”，在深入群众中精准发现问题、深入分析问题、研究解决问题，力求将调研走深，把报告写实，既持之以恒，又善作善成。要将调查研究作为坚定拥护“两个确立”、坚决做到“两个维护”的具体实践，作为一以贯之全面深化改革的政治定力，作为切实转变工作作风、密切联系群众的有效途径，真正成为调查研究的行家里手，以深入调查研究破解改革难题，为推进中国式现代化注入强大动力。

(The author is the Party Secretary of Guizhou University of Finance and Economics)

（作者系贵州财经大学党委书记）

Online Editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心