SIHRD is mainly preoccupied with research. Since its founding, more than seventy research projects, commissioned by the Government and other agencies, have been undertaken. Most were entrusted by the concerned departments of the central and local Government, some by international organizations, while about twenty were sponsored by various scientific research foundations.

This research has concerned mainly 'macro educational administration and policies' (including educational project evaluation) and 'forecasting of manpower demand and educational planning'. To a lesser extent, it covered 'development and allocation of human resources', 'building and development of management information systems' and 'development of scientific manpower'.

SIHRD has organized some residential training programmes. In most cases, it regards training as part of the research activity and a means of implementing and disseminating its research results. In recent years, the majority of training activities have been in evaluation and management of educational projects, sponsored by international organizations and/or the Chinese State Educational Commission. The training courses cater for educational administrative personnel, school principals and teachers.

The Institute has a monthly journal on educational research progress and publishes annual statistics reports which include an analysis of Chinese educational expenditure. Moreover, different publications including reports and training manuals have resulted from the above activities. About one thud of the research reports have been translated into English.

SIHRD places a strong emphasis on international co-operation. Agreements of co-operation have been established with scholars and organizations, hi Taiwan and Hongkong, with regard to research, publications, conferences, and sponsoring international seminars.