Abstract:National scientific research institutions are the organizations in science and technology research and development that are supported financially by national governments. In today's globalized economy, science and technology are becoming the key elements regarding the power of a country. Since 1990s, the developed countries have been reforming the system and mechanism of theirmain national scientific research institutions, which are mainly reflected in governance internal operations, and management mechanism of scientific research institutions, the allocationof government resources and scientific research performance evaluation and other aspects. This paper analyses the missions of national scientific research institutions and summarizes 4 kinds ofmain management models and their characteristics. It reveals the key content and main characteristics of the reformand development of national scientific research institutions in US, Germany, Britain, France, Japan, Russiaand South Korea et al. Based on this analysis and taking into consideration our actual conditions, a few suggestions on the reform of the national scientific research institutes in China are presented. First of all, the strategic positioning and national mission for its national scientific research institutes should be defined by national legislation. Secondly, the different kinds of scientific and classified management models should be used to regulate and supervise the different national scientific research institutes by the government. Thirdly, the allocation of economic resources for national scientific research institutes should ensure long-term and consistent support. Finally, the national talent management system and policy should continue to innovate to promote the rational flow of talent and thedevelopment of competition.