2019全球智库报告（英文版）_274页_4mb

2019 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report Summary

Core Content

The 2019 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report is produced by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) at the Lauder Institute, University of Pennsylvania. The report highlights the evolving role of think tanks in global policy-making and their increasing importance in bridging the gap between knowledge and policy across various regions and issue areas.

Main Purpose

The primary objective of TTCSP is to identify and recognize centers of excellence in public policy research worldwide. The report serves as a global ranking system for think tanks, helping academics, journalists, donors, and the public to locate and engage with leading policy research institutions. It also aims to strengthen democratic institutions and civil societies by promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing among think tanks.

Key Points

Think Tanks as Policy Actors

Think tanks are public policy research, analysis, and engagement organizations that provide policy-oriented research, analysis, and advice on both domestic and international issues. They act as a bridge between academia and policymaking, offering independent, reliable, and accessible insights to support informed decision-making.

Think Tank Typology

The report categorizes think tanks based on their affiliation and independence:

Global Distribution

• North America and Europe together host over 51% of all think tanks, a decline from the previous year.
• North America has 2,058 think tanks, with 1,872 in the United States.
• Europe has 2,219 think tanks.
• Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East have seen increased growth in the number and types of think tanks, particularly in independent, political-party affiliated, and corporate models.

Think Tank Growth and Decline

• The number of think tanks in the United States has more than doubled since 1980, driven by the end of the Post-WWII consensus and the challenge to the welfare state.
• The decline in think tank establishment globally is attributed to:
  • Hostile political and regulatory environments in many countries.
  • Decreased funding from public and private donors.
  • Preference for short-term, project-specific funding over long-term investment in ideas and institutions.
  • Underdeveloped institutional capacity and inability to adapt.
  • Increased competition from advocacy groups, for-profit consulting firms, and electronic media.

Factors Driving Think Tank Growth

• The information and technological revolution.
• The end of national governments' monopoly on information.
• The increasing complexity and technical nature of policy problems.
• The expansion of government size.
• The crisis of confidence in governments and elected officials.
• Globalization and the growth of state and non-state actors.
• The need for timely, concise, and relevant information and analysis.

2019 Index Methodology

• The 2019 Index was compiled with input from over 1,796 peer institutions and experts from around the world.
• 8,248 think tanks were contacted and invited to participate in the nomination and ranking process.
• Over 39,000 individuals and institutions participated in the ranking and nomination surveys.
• The process included Expert Panels composed of hundreds of members from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
• The average partial completion rate of the survey was 15%, and the average full completion rate was 62%.
• The average time taken to complete the survey was 12 minutes and 19 seconds.

2019 Index Results

• The report includes top rankings across various categories, such as:

  • Top Think Tank of the Year
  • Top Think Tanks Worldwide (Non-US)
  • Top Think Tanks Worldwide (US and Non-US)
  • Top Think Tanks by Region
  • Top Think Tanks by Area of Research
  • Top Think Tanks by Special Achievement

• A new section was introduced: Best Artificial Intelligence (AI) Think Tanks 2019, highlighting think tanks at the cutting edge of emerging technology trends.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Think tanks face four major threats (the "four mores"):

  • More Issues
  • More Actors
  • More Competition
  • More Conflict

• These challenges require think tanks to focus on the "four M's":

  • Mission
  • Market
  • Manpower
  • Money

• To thrive in a global marketplace of ideas, think tanks must:

  • Develop national, regional, and global partnerships.
  • Create innovative platforms for delivering their services.
  • Respond to the tactical and strategic implications of globalization and emerging technologies.

Conclusion

The 2019 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report underscores the importance of think tanks in shaping public policy and strengthening civil societies. It highlights the need for adaptation and innovation in the face of growing challenges and opportunities, and emphasizes the role of international collaboration in enhancing the impact and sustainability of think tank work.