The Future of Think Tanks and Policy Advice Around the World

At a moment when both think tanks and experts are being questioned, significant policy and technology disruptions have called into question the value and efficacy of policy advice. Within that context, Dr. McGann launched this book to examine the future of think tanks and policy advice around the world with a series of authoritative reflections written by the presidents of some of the leading think tanks in every region of the world. The book explores the challenges think tanks face today in an information rich and highly competitive operating environment that includes: the impact of technology, big data and artificial intelligence, competition from advocacy groups and public relations firms, increased polarization of politics and major changes in how think tanks are funded. James G. McGann is Senior Lecturer of International Studies at the Lauder Institute at the Wharton School and the School of Arts and Sciences, Director of the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program and Senior Fellow at the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the Director of the Think Tanks and Foreign Policy Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Acknowledgements Contents Introduction and Background The History of Think Tanks Types of Think Tanks The Global Issues Think Tanks Face Incorporating Disruptive Technology Funding References Africa Region The Future of Think Tanks in Africa The Role of Think Tanks in Africa Operating Space Why Do Governments and Multilateral Institutions Need Think Tanks? The Future of Think Tanks in Africa The Future of African Think Tanks Factors Influencing Hiring Policies of Think Tanks Evolution of Funding for Think Tanks in Africa The Future of Think Tanks and Policy Advice: An African Perspective Think Tanks in a Changing Operational Environment: Planning for the Future in Africa Key Strategic Challenges Facing African Think Tanks References Bringing Think Tanks into the Digital Era The Role for “Big Data” An Evolving Model? References Think Tanks in the Context of Africa’s Development Changing Competition and Technology in the Public Policymaking Arena The Changing Structure of Think Tanks Collaboration for Greater Impact The Need to Remain Independent and Relevant Conclusion References Europe Region Artificial Intelligence: An Opportunity and a Challenge for Think Tanks On the Importance of a Policy-Oriented and Trustworthy Research Program On AI in Think Tanks Conclusions References Connecting Politics and Society: A Way Forward for Think Tanks Think Tanks for Future—A Think Piece The World Is Facing Fundamental Challenges The Crisis The Environment–Climate–Health Nexus Lack of Adequate Policy Solutions Think Tanks for Future—Review the Ways You Have Done Business so Far Some Things to Retain... ... Some Things to Change Listen to the Young Think Tanks for Future Help to Improve Knowledge and Research Systems References The Future of Think Tanks in the Western Balkans: The Old, the New, and the Upcoming The Challenging Environment for the Growth of Domestic Think Tanks in the Western Balkans The Low Local Demand for Policy Advice Unstable Funding Opportunities Hindering Long-Term Development Development Assistance Implementing Agents as Occupants of the Think Tanks’ Role Turning Challenges into Strategies Partnerships Supporting Holistic Solutions to Policy Problems Toward Long-Term Financial Sustainability Reference The Future of Think Tanks and the Crisis of Democracy Think Tanks and the Crisis of Democracy The War Against Expertise How Should We Respond? Think and Do Tanks References Data Is a Powerful Assistant but the Think Tanker Is Still in Charge Think Tanks, Covid-19, and Internationalism Widening and Deepening: Partnership and Multidisciplinarity in Challenging Times Current Challenges Facing Think Tanks Think Tanks and Today’s World: Which Ways Forward? Tackling Global Challenges in an Era of Disruption and Contradiction—The Changing Role of Think Tanks Introduction The Role of Think Tanks Conclusions Reference Scientific Approach, Objective Analysis, and National Interests of Russia: IMEMO Traditions are Always In Demand, Always Valued. The Future of Think Tanks Around the World New Challenges for Think Tanks The Strengths and Weaknesses of Think Tanks Values and Guidelines Caught in the Firing Line—How Think Tanks Stay Relevant in Times of Global Transition and Turmoil Think Tanks Today and Tomorrow: A View from Ukraine Middle East and North Africa Region To Survive, Think Tanks Must Be Part of the Change Challenges Think Tanks Face Today Required Changes in a Changing Environment The Credibility-Funding Nexus and Its Impact on Research Quality in Middle East Think Tanks How to Reduce the Gap Between Think Tanks and Policymakers—The Experience of the Egyptian Center for Economic Studies (ECES) Evolving with the Marketplace of Ideas: How Think Tanks Can Thrive in the Era of Twitter Background Think Tanks in a Changing Environment Reference Think Tanks Have Stories to Tell... Central and South America Region Think Tanks Toward the Future: Challenges and Opportunities References The Digital Transformation in Think Tanks: Moving Forward in the Use of Technology The Future of Think Tanks: A Brazilian Perspective North America Region Fit for the Future: Enhancing the Capacity Think Tanks References The Future of Think Tanks: Competing in the Digital Era Grab Your Sunglasses—The Future of Thinks Tanks is as Bright as Ever Asia Region Asia Region The Future of Japanese Think Tanks: Policy Involvement and Regional Cooperation Prospects and Possibilities for Think Tanks: A View from China’s Non-Governmental Think Tank Sector The Rise of “Think Tanks with Chinese Characteristics” The Way Forward: Challenges for Chinese Think Tanks Fast-Paced, Competitive Communications Environment Funding Changing Global Context Carving Out a Niche: Opportunities for Chinese Think Tanks Domestic Policy and Reform Promoting Administrative Reform A Platform for Diverse Interests Diversification and Innovation in Operational Models Track II Diplomacy Promoting Innovation in Global Governance Outlook: Adapting to a Changing Landscape Reference China’s Think Tanks in the New Era: Mission, Responsibility, and Direction of Development Reorganize, Renew, Reformat: The Future Think Tanks New Trends of University-Affiliated Think Tanks in China: A Brief Overview Overview of Think Tank Development in China Development of China’s University-Affiliated Think Tanks: Opportunities and Challenges Globalization and Information: Response and Innovation Translating Affiliation with University into Competitiveness Conclusion KIEP’s Strategic Response to Challenges in Policy Research Surmounting Challenges and KIEP Uncertainty and Unprecedented Challenges in Policy Research KIEP’s Strategic Response Think Tanks in an Emerging India: A Struggle for Relevance? Platform Nations A New Information Environment Reimagining Finance Communities and Collaboration Conclusion: In Defense of Expertise The Future of Think Tanks and Policy Advice: Lessons from South Korea’s Combating COVID-19 Navigating the Future: Roles for Think Tanks and Policy Advice in Southeast Asia Introduction: Context and Changes Rising Above the Sino-American Conflict and Partisan Populist Politics Innovating Against Increased Competition for “Noise” and Funding Using Media and Technology, or Being Used What Changes and What Remains? How Think Tanks Need to Change Managing Opportunities in Joining the Global Think Tank Community Analytical Centers as Subjects of the Political Process Academy on the Way to Be a Think Tank State and Prospects of Analytics Development in Kazakhstan Conclusions Are Think Tanks Fit for an Uncertain Future? New Business Models for Think Tanks A New Operational Context Management Strategic Communication Innovative Funding Strategies Big Data Analytics Conclusion References Correction to: Connecting Politics and Society: A Way Forward for Think Tanks Correction to: Connecting Politics and Society: A Way Forward for Think Tanks in: J. McGann, The Future of Think Tanks and Policy Advice Around the World, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-60379-38 Appendix Author Biographies Bibliography