Institute of National Communication Strategy (INCS), formerly known as the Collaborative Center of State Communication Strategy (renamed in January 2018), was led by Huazhong University of Science and Technology. It is a think tank jointly established by Renmin University of China, Fudan University, China Foreign Languages Bureau, Hubei Daily Media Group, and Hubei Radio and Television Station(Group).

The Institute was established in June 2013. The basic mission is to target major demands in the field of culture and communication practice at the national level under the latest domestic and international situation. It is committed to conducting a comprehensive and systematic study of communication strategies at the national level from the dimensions of concept, system, and practice in order to better innovate Chinese discourse, tell Chinese stories well, send Chinese voices, guide international public opinion, and promote Chinese culture soft power.Simultaneously, at the academic level, it is dedicated to constructing a conceptual system in the field of national communication strategies, consolidating its theoretical basis, and regulating its value appeal.

Since 2013, the Institute has held the“National Communication Strategy Summit Forum”each year. So far it has more than 2,500 participants. It is one of the most significant academic exchange platforms in the field of national communication strategy with a relatively extensive social and academic influence.

Since 2014, the Institute has launched the "China-US Public's Concept of the World Survey". These series of surveys are China's first high-authority, large-scale, nominal survey for the simultaneous implementation of both the Chinese and American public. It is devoted to accumulating the basic experience of both countries’public perception of the image of the countries of the world and to each other’s national image, and strengthening the actual targeting of China’s international communication.

Since 2016, the Institute has published an annual blue bookChina National Image Communication Report, which is published and issued by the Social Science Literature Publishing House. It stands at the height of national strategy, thoroughly analyzes and discusses the panoramic and stereoscopic landscape of China's national image communication.Thus it can provide useful reference and inspiration for the construction of China's national image.