About Think Tanks: The Mission and Impact of the World's Leading Think Tanks

One of the recommendations that emerged from the G20 Foreign Policy Think Tank Summit in June of 2012 was a strong interest in developing an online platform that would enable the continual exchange of ideas and facilitate collaborative efforts among think tanks around the world. The underlying objective of this recommendation was to increase the profile and performance of think tanks by sharing the best practices for think tank research, management, resource mobilization and external relations of the leading think tanks in the world.

As the first step in a larger initiative to advance conversation between policy research, analysis and engagement institutions, the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program is creating an online directory featuring the organizational profiles of the world’s top think tanks. The profiles will take the form of power point presentations that many organizations have developed for internal (new staff orientation) or external (fundraising and external relations) purposes.

It is our belief that bridges between policy research institutions and their analysts and scholars can be formed at many levels that often transcend academic disciplines and national and political boundaries. We are convinced that by presenting the diversity of programs and organizational models in a variety of local, national and global contexts we can facilitate the exchange of information and best practices among think tanks and policy oriented NGOs around the world.

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 45
  • Publication
    Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
    (2014-01-01) KAS
    The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a political foundation. In Germany, 16 regional offices and two conference centers offer a wide variety of civic education conferences and events. Our offices abroad are in charge of over 200 projects in more than 120 countries. The foundation's headquarters are situated in Sankt Augustin near Bonn, and also in Berlin. There, an additional conference center, named The Academy, was opened in 1998. We are proud to bear the name of Konrad Adenauer. The first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany's name and principles are our guidelines, duty, and obligation. Established in 1955 as "Society for Christian-Democratic Civic Education", the Foundation took on the name of the first Federal Chancellor in 1964. At home as well as abroad, our civic education programs aim at promoting freedom and liberty, peace, and justice. We focus on consolidating democracy, the unification of Europe and the strengthening of transatlantic relations, as well as on development cooperation. As a think-tank and consulting agency, our soundly researched scientific fundamental concepts and current analyses are meant to offer a basis for possible political action. The Berlin Academy is the national forum of dialogue between the spheres of politics, economy, science, and society.
  • Publication
    Korean Development Institute
    (2015-01-01) KDI
    Since its establishment in 1971, the Korea Development Institute (KDI) has been committed to producing independent, innovative, and impactful, policy research on fundamental Korean economic and social issues. The emphasis to deliver quality and rigorous research and analysis has been rooted in its long tradition of applying scientific methods and collaborating with leading economic thinkers and institutions. As Korea's leading think tank, KDI continues to play a prominent role in framing the national public policy discourse.
  • Publication
    Namibia Institute for Democracy
    (2014-01-01) NID
    The Namibia Institute for Democracy (NID), founded in 1991, implements a range of civic education, civil society development, socio-political survey and research and anti-corruption programs in Namibia. Funded by a variety of donors, these programs all aim to strengthen civil society and the public's capacity to interact with government at all levels in an informed manner, to strengthen democratic institutions, and to provide opportunities for the exchange of public opinion and the support of public debate. In this process, the NID consults with the government, civil society, interest groups, political parties, the media, institutional authorities and private citizens in the design and implementation of its programs.
  • Publication
    Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI)
    (2014-01-01) NUPI
    The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs has around 80 employees, including part-time positions and guest researchers. The institute is organised in six research groups that reflect our thematic core competences, and in addition the Administration department and the Communications department.
  • Publication
    Peace Research Institute Oslo
    (2014-01-01) PRIO
    Founded in 1959, the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) is an independent research institution known for its effective synergy of basic and policy-relevant research. In addition to such research, PRIO conducts graduate training and is engaged in the promotion of peace through conflict resolution, dialogue and reconciliation, public information and policymaking activities. The Institute's working language is English.
  • Publication
    Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA)
    (2015-01-01) Australian Institute of International Affairs
    The Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) is an independent, non-profit organisation seeking to promote interest in and understanding of international affairs in Australia. It provides a forum for discussion and debate, but does not seek to formulate its own institutional views. The Institute arranges programs of lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences and other discussions, and sponsors research and publications. The AIIA was formed in 1924 and established as a federal body in 1933 and is the only nation-wide organisation of its kind in Australia. It is financed by members' contributions, a small government subvention and tax deductible donations from individuals and businesses.
  • Publication
    Analytical Center for the Government of the Russian Federation
    (2015-01-01) Analytical Center for the Government of the Russian Federation
    The Analytical Center for the Government of the Russian Federation is the source of prompt expert views on a wide range of socio-economic development issues of the country. The efforts of the Analytical Center are concentrated on providing operational, informational and analytical support; expert support of government's decisions on major issues of socio-economic development in the areas of finance, transport, industry, utilities, natural resources, environmental protection, education, health, innovation, information technologies, etc. Particular attention is paid to energy, fiscal policy, agriculture and strategic planning, in which the Analytical Center has established itself as a center of expertise. The Analytical Center was established in December 2005 and became the successor of the Working Center for Economic Reforms at the Government of the Russian Federation and the Center for Economic Forecasting at the Government of the Russian Federation. These centers were established in the early 1990s to replace the main computer center of the USSR State Planning Committee, which existed from 1959 to 1991. The new structure was given the task of making recommendations and proposals on priority issues of economic policy and economic reforms, information-analytical support of the government, examination of concepts and programs for socio-economic development of the country, and short-term forecasting. In accordance with these tasks, the Analytical Center has monitored the implementation of the guidelines and projects of the Government Commission under the President of the Russian Federation on modernization and technological development of the Russian economy since 2008. The center monitors, collects and makes comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic development of the country, with the use of its own information and analytical tools. The center carries out long-term strategic forecasting and analyzes the possible effects of development projects and programs on the development of the country, including the use of international experience.
  • Publication
    Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy
    (2015-01-01) Baker Institute for Public Policy; Rice University
    Founded in 1993, the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy has established itself as one of the premier nonpartisan public policy think tanks in the country. The institute ranks 9th among university-affiliated think tanks worldwide, 18th among U.S. think tanks and fourth among energy resource think tanks, according to a 2014 study by the University of Pennsylvania's Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program. As an integral part of Rice University, one of the nation's most distinguished institutions of higher education, the Baker Institute has a strong track record of achievement based on the work of its endowed fellows, Rice faculty scholars and staff. Located in Houston, Texas, the nation's fourth-largest city and the energy capital of the United States, as well as a dynamic international business and cultural center, the Baker Institute brings a unique perspective to some of the most important public policy challenges of our time. Key research programs include energy, health, conflict resolution, science and technology, tax and expenditure policy, and Latin America and China studies. The institute collaborates with experts from academia, government, the media, business, and nongovernmental and private organizations. In conjunction with its more than 20 programs, the institute attracts many domestic and foreign leaders who provide their views and insights on major issues. Speakers have included U.S. presidents and cabinet members, world leaders and heads of government, and numerous foreign dignitaries from around the globe.
  • Publication
    Bruegel
    (2015-01-01) Bruegel
    Bruegel is a European think tank that specialises in economics. Established in 2005, it is independent and non-doctrinal. Bruegel's mission is to improve the quality of economic policy with open and fact-based research, analysis and debate. We are committed to impartiality, openness and excellence. Bruegel's membership includes EU Member State governments, international corporations and institutions. Through publications, events, social media, and a lively blog, Bruegel has carved a unique discussion space for everyone interested in improving the quality of economic policy. Through a dual focus on analysis and impact, and dynamic relationships with policymakers at every governance level, it has also established itself as a vibrant laboratory for economic policies.
  • Publication
    Consejo Argentino para las Relaciones Internacionales
    (2013-11-01) Consejo Argentino para las Relaciones Internacionales
    The Argentine Council for International Relations (CARI) is a private, non-profit, academic institution. The Council seeks to study and conduct analysis on the political, economic, cultural, and social dimensions of international relations. Established on June 15, 1978, CARI's goal is to provide a setting and an environment in which to study and discuss international problems as they relate to Argentina. Acting as a link between Argentina and the world, CARI takes a unique, multidisciplinary approach to the study of international relations. The Council's goal is to work towards peace and the development of mankind through closer international ties and a greater mutual understanding.