Think tank

Think tank is an organization that conducts research, analysis, and policy studies to develop recommendations on public policy, economics, international relations, technology, national security, business, governance, and other issues of public importance. Think tanks produce evidence-based research intended to inform governments, policymakers, businesses, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the public through reports, policy briefs, books, conferences, and public engagement.

Think tanks operate as independent nonprofit organizations, university-affiliated research institutes, government-supported institutions, or privately funded policy organizations. Their primary objective is to generate research, evaluate policy alternatives, and contribute to informed decision-making by applying academic, economic, legal, scientific, and strategic analysis to contemporary challenges.

Think tanks play an important role in Public policy, Economic policy, International relations, Corporate governance, National security, and Strategic studies. Their research often influences legislation, government policy, business strategy, public debate, and international cooperation.

History

The modern concept of the think tank emerged during the early twentieth century as governments increasingly relied upon specialized research organizations to support public administration and policy development. Following the Second World War, think tanks expanded significantly in North America, Europe, and other regions, conducting research on economic development, foreign policy, defense, science, technology, healthcare, and social policy.

Today, think tanks operate throughout the world and contribute to policy discussions at national, regional, and international levels.

Objectives

The principal objectives of a think tank are to:

conduct policy research;
develop evidence-based recommendations;
inform public debate;
support government decision-making;
promote public understanding;
contribute to academic and policy research.

These objectives support informed policymaking and strategic planning.

Types

Think tanks may be classified according to their organizational structure or principal area of research, including:

independent think tanks;
university-affiliated research institutes;
government-supported policy institutes;
corporate research organizations;
advocacy think tanks;
international policy institutes.

Some think tanks specialize in a single field, while others conduct multidisciplinary research.

Research areas

Think tanks commonly conduct research relating to:

public policy;
economic policy;
fiscal policy;
taxation;
international relations;
national security;
defense policy;
climate change;
technology policy;
energy policy;
healthcare;
education;
governance;
business and industry.

Research priorities vary according to each organization's mission and expertise.

Activities

Think tanks typically undertake:

policy research;
data analysis;
economic modelling;
strategic assessments;
publication of reports and policy briefs;
conferences and seminars;
advisory services;
stakeholder engagement.

Many organizations also contribute expert testimony, legislative analysis, and public education.

Funding

Think tanks may receive financial support from:

charitable foundations;
private donations;
corporations;
research grants;
government funding;
endowments;
publication revenue.

Funding structures differ among organizations and may influence governance and disclosure requirements.

Relationship with public policy

Public policy is the principal field in which think tanks operate.

Their research evaluates policy alternatives, analyzes existing legislation, and develops recommendations intended to improve government decision-making.

Relationship with government

Many think tanks maintain working relationships with government agencies, legislatures, regulators, and international organizations by providing research, expert analysis, and policy advice.

Most organizations do not possess formal governmental authority and serve in an advisory capacity.

Relationship with academia

Think tanks frequently collaborate with universities and research institutions.

While universities primarily emphasize academic scholarship and teaching, think tanks generally focus on applied policy research intended to address current public policy challenges.

Relationship with strategic studies

Many think tanks conduct Strategic studies relating to geopolitics, national security, defense policy, international trade, and global economic developments.

Such research assists governments and private organizations in understanding long-term strategic risks and opportunities.

Applications

Think tanks contribute to:

public policy development;
economic planning;
corporate strategy;
international relations;
legislative analysis;
regulatory reform;
national security planning;
public education.

Their research supports decision-making across both public and private sectors.

Advantages

Think tanks provide specialized expertise, interdisciplinary research, independent analysis, and evidence-based policy recommendations. They promote informed public debate, contribute to legislative development, support long-term strategic planning, and facilitate collaboration between academia, government, business, and civil society.

Limitations

The independence, funding sources, governance structures, and ideological orientation of think tanks vary considerably. Research priorities and policy recommendations may therefore reflect institutional missions or differing analytical perspectives.

Users of think tank publications generally compare findings across multiple organizations to obtain a balanced understanding of policy issues.

Importance

Think tanks play a significant role in modern policymaking by transforming research into practical policy recommendations. Through economic analysis, strategic research, legislative studies, and public engagement, they contribute to evidence-based decision-making in government, business, international organizations, and civil society while strengthening informed public discourse on complex national and global issues.