[Purpose/significance] Promoting the construction of new local think tank under the new situation can improve the local governance system and promote the modernization of local governance capacity. Constructing innovative ecosystem and its operation mechanism of local think tanks can provide reference for the development of local think tank. [Method/process] Based on the connotation of knowledge management, according to the elements and processes of knowledge innovation of think tanks, this paper uses literature research, conceptual model and analogy method to build the innovation ecosystem of local think tanks, and explores and analyzes its operation mechanism. [Result/conclusion] Knowledge management can promote the continuous innovation and upgrading of intelligence services in think tank, and it is an important guarantee for the production of innovative knowledge achievements in think tank. In the innovation ecosystem of local think tanks, knowledge innovation subjects carry out knowledge flow and information
transfer on the knowledge innovation platform supported by big data technology, based on knowledge management and catalyzed by university think tank, and there exists material circulation and energy flow with the innovation environment. Through the mechanism of factor concentration, co-existence, market cultivation and capital guarantee, we can promote the efficient operation of innovation ecosystem of local think tanks.