[Purpose/significance] This paper aims to discover the common features and priority development strategies of research data management services,and provide suggestions on choosing appropriate development mode for research data management services in Chinese universities. [Method/process]The paper proposes a three dimensional conceptual model of research data management for development(RDM4D). Based on this framework,the paper conducts an empirical investigation and qualitative analysis on the research data management website of UK's Russell Group Universities. [Result/conclusion] Research data management services have become universal practices in UK' higher education institutions. Four key process areas and twenty-one key practices are defined,core services and priorities for development strategies are identified,and the problems faced by China to carry out research data management practices are discussed.