Think tanks play an important role in bringing together the academic and policymaking communities, providing politicians and other policy actors with research and advice that helps to inform and shape public policy.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tank and Civil Society Program estimates that there are more than 6,500 think tanks currently operating around the world. This number continues to grow, particularly in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. While their reach and influence has increased, think tanks now find themselves facing increasing competition for funding and public
attention, calls to demonstrate the impact of their work, and critiques of their claims of independence.
This panel will bring together think tanks and stakeholders to discuss various issues confronting think tanks today, including:
- How think tanks can increase impact, make results more meaningful, and expand reach and influence with the media, public, and policymakers
- How to measure the impact and value of think tanks
- Best practices in knowledge sharing for development
- Relationship between think tanks and funders/partners
- Opportunities for collaboration between think tanks