As a new format, New R & D institutions always have unique development model, operational mechanism and core competitiveness which is different from the traditional research institutions. Based on the origin of new R & D institutions’ competitiveness, a new dual structure model of core competitiveness of R & D institutions is established, and the forming mechanism of the competitiveness is analyzed. The core competencies of the new R & D institutions are shown in four aspects: technical ability, management ability, resource ability and innovative ability, which drives the formation of core competence.