Research Institutions Network (RIN)

The Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) is a regional cooperation mechanism that aims to strengthen socio-economic collaboration among its member countries. As part of this mission, the GTI Research Institutions Network (RIN) serves as a vital platform for academic and policy-oriented institutions across the region. Through RIN, these institutions exchange knowledge, conduct joint research, and contribute to evidence-based policy development that supports GTI’s overarching goals. RIN functions as the intellectual foundation of GTI. It is composed of four leading national research institutions from GTI member countries: the China Association of International Trade (CAIT), the Russian Foreign Trade Academy (RFTA), the National Development Institute of Mongolia (NDI), and the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP). These institutions formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016 and updated in 2025.

Objectives of RIN

RIN pursues three primary objectives. First, it serves as GTI’s brain trust by offering policy advice to enhance regional cooperation. Second, it conducts in-depth research and provides strategic recommendations to support GTI’s development agenda. Third, it promotes dialogue and collaboration among policy research institutions that focus on economic integration in Northeast Asia.

Activities and Achievements

RIN has organized both working-level and high-level meetings, as well as thematic conferences that address a wide range of regional topics. On the research front, RIN has successfully launched several joint studies. These include: Promoting Connectivity in GTI (2018), Regional Value Chains and Logistics Networks in the Greater Tumen Region (2020); The Dalian–Jilin (Hunchun) Land and Sea Cruise Tour under the Framework of the GTI (2024); Three Decades of Cooperation in the Greater Tumen Region: Studies on Regional Cooperation in Northeast Asia (2025, to be confirmed); Study on GTI’s Legal Transition into an International Organization (2025, to be confirmed).

Future Directions

Looking ahead, RIN’s priority is to secure sustainable commitment and resources from all member institutions. It also aims to promote more focused joint research projects and collaborative events that align with GTI’s strategic vision. To guide its future development, RIN adopts a three-step approach. In the first step, it identifies long-term research themes that reflect the region’s integration agenda. In the second step, it solidifies its role as a key pillar of GTI cooperation. In the third step, it works to ensure institutional continuity and foster deeper engagement across all member countries. By following this approach, RIN is expected to establish itself as an essential platform for meaningful research and regional cooperation in the Greater Tumen Region and Northeast Asia.