Have you ever heard of a think tank? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone. The term is often used in political and academic circles, but it’s not exactly a common household name. So, to answer the question that’s been on your mind: is a think tank an organization? The short answer is yes, but there’s a little more to it than that.
A think tank is essentially a group of experts, academics, and professionals who come together to research and offer insights and recommendations on a particular topic or issue. These issues can range from environmental policy to economic growth to healthcare reform. Think tanks can be independent or affiliated with a larger organization, such as a university or government agency.
The goal of a think tank is to provide evidence-based research and analysis to inform policymaking and public discourse. In many ways, think tanks serve as a bridge between academia and government, providing important insights and recommendations to shape policy decisions. While the work of think tanks can be highly influential, they often operate in a behind-the-scenes capacity, quietly producing research reports and analysis that shape the course of public policy.
What is a think tank?
A think tank is a type of organization that conducts research and advocacy on a variety of issues, typically focused on policy domains such as economics, social policy, foreign affairs, or technology. Think tanks can be independent or affiliated with other organizations such as universities, political parties, or media outlets. They often pursue an agenda or set of goals, and employ teams of researchers, academics, and policy experts to conduct research, develop policy recommendations, and influence policy decisions at national or international levels.
- Think tanks are often founded by individuals or groups who want to pursue particular policy goals, or to advance their views on a particular issue.
- They may be non-profit or for-profit organizations, and are often supported by donations, grants, or contracts from public or private sources.
- Think tanks may conduct research studies, publish reports or papers, or organize events such as seminars, conferences, or briefings to promote their work and influence policy debates.
Think tanks can provide a unique role in public policy that complements the work of academic research institutes, government agencies, and businesses. They can offer an independent perspective on policy issues, provide timely analysis of current events, and offer new policy ideas or solutions. However, it is important to recognize that think tanks are not neutral or impartial institutions, and can be subject to bias, ideological influence, or other factors that may affect their research and policy recommendations.
Origin and History of Think Tanks
When we hear the term “think tank”, most of us immediately associate it with politicians, international organizations, or corporate giants. But where did this concept originate, and how has it evolved over the years? Let’s delve into the history of think tanks to find out.
- 1916: The first think tank, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, is established in Washington, D.C. by Andrew Carnegie and Elihu Root.
- 1936: The Brookings Institution, a public policy research organization, is founded in Washington, D.C. This leads to the proliferation of similar non-partisan think tanks dedicated to research and publications on policy issues.
- 1950s: Think tanks gain more prominence during the Cold War, as governments seek expert advice to formulate foreign and national security policies.
Think tanks continued to grow in number and influence in the following decades, with the rise of global challenges such as environmental degradation and economic globalization. Today, there are thousands of think tanks around the world, ranging from small independent organizations to large global institutions. They continue to provide ideas, research, and advocacy to shape policies and public opinion.
One notable characteristic of think tanks is their diversity in terms of organizational structure, funding sources, and ideological affiliations. Some are affiliated with universities, while others function as independent nonprofit organizations. Funding sources can vary from government grants to corporate donations or individual contributions. Think tanks are often associated with specific political or ideological agendas, which can influence the types of research and policy recommendations they produce.
Types of Think Tanks
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic-based | Linked to universities or research institutions, and conduct research in a range of fields, including science, technology, and social policy. |
| Advocacy-based | Focus on promoting specific policy positions and may aim to influence government policy directly or mobilize public opinion. |
| Government-affiliated | May be established by governments to provide research and analysis on specific policy areas, or could be semi-independent bodies funded by governments. |
| Industry-affiliated | Funded by corporations or industry associations, and may focus on a range of topics such as economic policy, international trade, or environmental regulation. |
Despite their differences, think tanks all share a common goal of producing high-quality research and analysis on pressing issues facing society. They play a critical role in informing public debate and shaping the policies that influence our lives.
Types of think tanks
Think tanks are organizations that conduct research, provide analysis, and formulate policy recommendations for both public and private sector entities. While all think tanks aim to improve policy-making, they differ in their focus and areas of expertise. Here are three main types of think tanks:
- Advocacy Think Tanks
- Policy Research Think Tanks
- University-Based Think Tanks
Let’s dive into each type and explore what sets them apart.
Advocacy Think Tanks
Advocacy think tanks have a specific political agenda or ideology, and they use their research to promote their viewpoints. These think tanks aim to influence public opinion and policy-making by advocating for their vision of a better society. Examples of advocacy think tanks include the American Enterprise Institute, the Heritage Foundation, and the Center for American Progress.
Advocacy think tanks often have strong ties to political parties, interest groups, and other organizations. They may receive financial support from likeminded donors who share their ideology and goals. While advocacy think tanks can be very influential, they can also be criticized for their bias and lack of objectivity in their research and analysis.
Policy Research Think Tanks
Policy research think tanks focus on providing objective and evidence-based analysis of policy issues. They prioritize the production of high-quality analysis and recommendations over advocacy or ideology. Examples of policy research think tanks include the Brookings Institution, the RAND Corporation, and the Urban Institute.
Policy research think tanks often have broad networks of experts, scholars, and analysts from various disciplines. They may collaborate with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure their research is relevant and impactful. Policy research think tanks can be funded by a variety of sources, including foundations, governments, and private donors.
University-Based Think Tanks
University-based think tanks are affiliated with universities and colleges and draw on academic expertise to conduct research and analysis. They often collaborate with faculty, staff, and students from different departments and disciplines to produce innovative and interdisciplinary research. Examples of university-based think tanks include the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, the Center for International Policy Studies at the University of Ottawa, and the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy at Columbia University.
University-based think tanks often have access to a wide range of resources, including funding, data, and other academic publications. They may also have more opportunities for public engagement and outreach, including lectures, seminars, and conferences.
| Type of Think Tank | Focus | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Advocacy Think Tanks | Political ideology and viewpoint | American Enterprise Institute, The Heritage Foundation, Center for American Progress |
| Policy Research Think Tanks | Objective policy analysis and recommendations | Brookings Institution, RAND Corporation, Urban Institute |
| University-Based Think Tanks | Interdisciplinary research | Hoover Institution, Center for International Policy Studies, Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy |
Overall, the diverse range of think tanks reflects the complexity and diversity of policy issues. Depending on their focus and expertise, think tanks can inform local, national, and global policy debates and shape public opinion on important issues.
Major Think Tanks Around the World
Think tanks are non-profit organizations that gather experts from various fields to conduct research and provide advice on specific issues. They are known for their expertise in shaping public policy and driving change. Here are some of the major think tanks around the world:
- Brookings Institution: This Washington D.C.-based think tank focuses on public policy research and analysis. It covers a wide range of topics such as economics, governance, and foreign policy.
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: With centers in nine countries, this think tank conducts research on global issues such as nuclear weapons, cybersecurity, and democracy.
- Heritage Foundation: A conservative think tank based in Washington D.C., the Heritage Foundation advocates for limited government and free enterprise. Its research areas include economics, foreign policy, and education.
Think tanks usually have a specific focus area, such as foreign policy or economic policy. However, some think tanks are renowned for their work on a particular region of the world. For instance, the Peterson Institute for International Economics is known for its work on international economics and globalization, while the Middle East Institute focuses on the Middle East and North Africa.
Below is a table listing some major think tanks around the world and their areas of expertise:
| Think Tank | Area of Expertise |
|---|---|
| Brookings Institution | Public policy research and analysis |
| Carnegie Endowment for International Peace | Global issues such as nuclear weapons, cybersecurity, and democracy |
| Heritage Foundation | Economics, foreign policy, and education |
| Peterson Institute for International Economics | International economics and globalization |
| Middle East Institute | Middle East and North Africa |
These are just a few examples of the many think tanks operating around the world. They provide valuable insight and analysis on important issues, and their work is often used by policymakers and the media to inform decision-making.
Roles and functions of think tanks
Think tanks are organizations that provide research, analysis, and recommendations on a range of policy issues, and their roles and functions can vary greatly depending on their areas of expertise and the broader political and social contexts in which they operate. Some of the key roles and functions of think tanks include:
- Research and analysis: Think tanks conduct research and analysis on a range of policy issues, from health care and education to foreign policy and economic development. They use a variety of data collection methods, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews, and often collaborate with experts in academia, government, and industry to produce high-quality research that informs policy decisions.
- Policy advocacy: Many think tanks are actively engaged in advocating for specific policy solutions and promoting their research to policymakers, the media, and the general public. They often work closely with elected officials, policymakers, and opinion leaders to shape the public debate and influence policy outcomes.
- Education and public outreach: Think tanks also play an important role in educating the public about policy issues and engaging them in the policy-making process. They publish reports, briefings, and other materials on policy issues that are accessible to a broad audience, and often organize public events, such as conferences and town hall meetings, to engage with stakeholders and promote public dialogue.
- Networking and collaboration: Think tanks often serve as hubs for experts and practitioners to collaborate on policy research and advocacy. They bring together experts from academia, government, and industry to share their knowledge and experience, and often collaborate with other think tanks, NGOs, and international organizations to tackle global policy challenges and promote innovative solutions.
- Policy development and implementation: Some think tanks work closely with policymakers and government agencies to develop and implement policy solutions. They offer technical assistance and training to policymakers, and often provide ongoing support and evaluation of policy programs to ensure that they are effective and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.
Overall, think tanks are critical actors in the policy-making process, providing important research, analysis, and recommendations on key policy issues. They offer unique perspectives and expertise on a range of complex policy challenges, and play a vital role in shaping public debates and policy outcomes.
Below is a table summarizing the different roles and functions of think tanks:
| Roles and functions | Description |
|---|---|
| Research and analysis | Conducting research and analysis on policy issues through various methods and in collaboration with experts in academia, government, and industry. |
| Policy advocacy | Actively advocating for specific policy solutions and promoting research to policymakers, the media, and the general public. |
| Education and public outreach | Educating the public about policy issues and engaging them in the policy-making process through reports, briefings, events, and other materials. |
| Networking and collaboration | Bringing together experts from academia, government, and industry to collaborate on policy research and advocacy, and working with other think tanks and organizations to tackle global policy challenges. |
| Policy development and implementation | Working closely with policymakers and government agencies to develop and implement policy solutions, offering technical assistance and evaluation of policy programs. |
As can be seen in the table, think tanks play a multifaceted role in the policy-making process, and their diverse functions are essential to shaping public debates and promoting effective policy solutions.
Funding and Financing of Think Tanks
Think tanks play a vital role in the development of new ideas and policies, as well as in the shaping of public opinion. They can be government-funded, sponsored by private organizations, or independent non-profit entities. These organizations rely on funding to carry out their research, advocacy, and outreach initiatives. In this section, we will explore the various sources of funding and financing for think tanks.
- Government Funding: In some countries, think tanks receive funding from the government to conduct research and provide policy advice. This type of funding comes with the risk of potential political influence or bias, as governments may prioritize research that aligns with their agendas.
- Private Sponsorship: Think tanks may also be sponsored by private organizations, such as corporations, foundations, or wealthy individuals. This type of funding allows think tanks to conduct research and advocacy initiatives that align with the interests of their sponsors.
- Grants and Donations: Many independent non-profit think tanks rely on grants from foundations, non-profit organizations, or individual donations. This type of funding provides think tanks with the flexibility to conduct research and advocacy initiatives that align with their mission and values.
Think Tank budgets vary considerably depending on the size and scope of their initiatives. According to a report by the University of Pennsylvania, the global think tank sector has an estimated annual budget of $5 billion. In the United States, the top 100 think tanks had an aggregate budget of $1.1 billion in 2019.
The below table presents the top 10 think tanks according to their budget in 2019:
| Rank | Think Tank | Budget (in millions USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brookings Institution | 119.5 |
| 2 | Carnegie Endowment for International Peace | 81.1 |
| 3 | Cato Institute | 39.3 |
| 4 | RAND Corporation | 294.6 |
| 5 | Peterson Institute for International Economics | 34.4 |
| 6 | Heritage Foundation | 77.8 |
| 7 | Bruegel | 8.8 |
| 8 | The German Marshall Fund of the United States | 62.7 |
| 9 | Center for Strategic and International Studies | 46.4 |
| 10 | Atlantic Council | 32.7 |
Overall, funding and financing play a crucial role in the operations of think tanks. While various sources of funding enable think tanks to carry out their research and advocacy initiatives, there is the potential risk of political bias or influence with certain sources of funding. Think tanks must ensure that their funding sources align with their mission and values to maintain their independence and credibility.
Criticisms and controversies surrounding think tanks
Think tanks are not immune to criticisms and controversies. As they are often funded by private entities, political bias and corporate interests have been raised as issues. Here are some of the criticisms:
- Lack of transparency: Critics argue that the funding sources of think tanks should be made public to avoid potential conflicts of interest or biased research. Some think tanks have been accused of not disclosing their funding sources and instead choosing to maintain their donors’ anonymity.
- Political bias: Think tanks are often associated with particular political ideologies, and some critics argue that their research and recommendations are influenced by these biases. For example, a conservative think tank may be more likely to publish research that supports conservative policies.
- Corporate influence: Think tanks that are funded by corporations have been accused of supporting policies that favor their donors instead of objective analysis. This has led to concerns that some think tanks prioritize the interests of their corporate sponsors over the public good.
Despite these criticisms, there are also controversies that have arisen involving think tanks:
One notable example is the controversy involving the Heartland Institute, a conservative think tank that promotes climate change denial. In 2012, documents were leaked online detailing the group’s plans to fund efforts attacking climate science. The revelations led to a loss of funding for the group and several staff members resigning.
Another example involves the Brookings Institution, a left-leaning think tank. In 2021, it was revealed that the group had accepted millions of dollars in donations from foreign governments, including China, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Critics raised concerns about the influence these donations could have on the institution’s research and recommendations.
| Criticism | Controversial Example |
|---|---|
| Lack of transparency | Think tanks not disclosing their funding sources |
| Political bias | Conservative think tank promoting climate change denial |
| Corporate influence | Think tanks prioritizing the interests of their corporate sponsors over the public good |
Overall, despite their potential biases and controversies, think tanks play an important role in shaping public policy and providing research and recommendations for policymakers. It is up to the public to remain informed and aware of these criticisms and controversies to properly evaluate the credibility and objectivity of think tank research.
Is a Think Tank an Organization?
1. What is a think tank?
A think tank is a non-profit organization that conducts research and studies into public policy issues.
2. What kind of issues do think tanks study?
Think tanks study a variety of issues, ranging from political and economic policy, to environmental and social issues.
3. Are think tanks affiliated with political parties?
No, think tanks are non-partisan organizations. They do not endorse political parties or candidates.
4. Do think tanks have a specific ideology?
Some think tanks have a specific ideology or political leaning, while others are more neutral and focus on conducting research and providing unbiased information.
5. How are think tanks funded?
Think tanks are typically funded by individual donations, grants from foundations, and corporate sponsorships.
6. What is the purpose of a think tank?
The purpose of a think tank is to conduct research and analysis into public policy issues, and to provide policymakers and the public with information and recommendations.
7. How are think tanks different from academic research institutions?
Think tanks focus on conducting research and providing policy recommendations that can be implemented by policymakers, while academic research institutions often focus on pure research and scholarship.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading! We hope this article has helped you understand what think tanks are and how they operate. If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to check out some of the great think tanks out there and their research on the issues that matter to you. We’ll see you again soon!