Think Tanks

- Overview

The world has always been led by great thinkers. Great thinkers are always at the forefront. All these people dreamed that the world could be a better place and challenged the social norms of the time. In many ways, they laid the foundation for what would soon become modern think tanks. 

A think tank is an organization that brings together a group of interdisciplinary scholars to conduct research around a specific policy, issue, or idea. Think tanks discuss a wide range of topics, including social policy, public policy, economic policy, political strategy, culture and technology. Think tanks can also be called smart factories or policy agencies.

The work of all think tanks includes conducting academic research, creating space for debate, generating ideas, monitoring public policy and making intellectual resources available to the public. 

Most think tanks are considered non-profit organizations (NPOs), while others can be funded by governments, special interest groups, or corporations. This helps define academic freedom and goals. For example, a government think tank might be involved in planning a defense strategy, while a commercial project might include developing or testing new technologies.

- The Objective of Think Tanks

The objective of think tanks is to combine knowledge and policy-making to impact future policy processes. Most think tanks claim to work for the common good and the education of the public surrounding a certain concern. 

Think tanks are not one size fits all: there are many different types of think tanks. Think of a specific problem or crisis facing the world. There may now be a think tank looking for a solution to the problem. 

Think tanks are made up of experts in their respective fields. lawyers, doctors, ethicists, political scientists and professors are the most common occupations among think tank workers. 

- The Roles of Think Tanks

Think tanks act as brokers of policy knowledge, research centers and incubators for new ideas. As brokers, they transfer knowledge between academics, policymakers and civil society. As applied researchers, they translate multidisciplinary theory and experience into insights and recommendations to inform and meet the needs of policymakers. As innovators, they expand the horizons and possibilities of the policy world—for example, demonstrating the power of entrepreneurial solutions. At best, think tanks can provide credible, relevant, and understandable information.

In young democracies and emerging markets, think tanks can play a central role as reform leaders. They foster change by raising awareness of key economic issues, initiating discussions and showing policymakers the way forward. Their expertise and leadership can strengthen and mobilize civil society.

The role that think tanks often play:

• Provide a place where ideas can be developed freely and independently. 
• Raise awareness of important issues. 
• Provide evidence-backed alternative policy solutions. 
• To inform and educate policy makers, the public, business and civil society. 
• Encourage public debate and facilitate the exchange of ideas. 
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and government programs

[More to come ...]