2016全球智库指数报告（英文版）_169页_16mb

2016 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report Summary

Core Content

The 2016 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report is the 10th edition of the Global Go To Think Tank Index (GGTTI), published by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) at the University of Pennsylvania. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global think tank landscape, highlighting trends, challenges, and opportunities for these institutions in the 21st century.

The report emphasizes the mission of TTCSP, which is to increase the profile, capacity, and performance of think tanks globally so they can better serve policymakers and the public. It also outlines the methodology used to compile the index, which relies on peer nominations and expert panels to ensure objectivity and comprehensiveness.

Main Viewpoints

• Think tanks are defined as public-policy research, analysis, and engagement organizations that provide policy-oriented insights to both domestic and international audiences.
• The report notes that think tanks are a global phenomenon, acting as bridges between knowledge (academia) and power (politicians and policymakers).
• The global think tank community has grown significantly over the years, with over 6,846 think tanks catalogued in the TTCSP database.
• The 2016 U.S. presidential election and Brexit are highlighted as examples of how global populism has been driven by economic, social, and political insecurity, leading to a shift in public sentiment and support for strongman leaders and anti-establishment movements.
• The report identifies key global trends that have fueled this shift, including globalization, technological disruption, increased political polarization, and a crisis of confidence in institutions.

Key Information

Think Tank Affiliations

Think tanks are categorized based on their affiliation and funding sources, including:

• Autonomous and Independent: Independent from any one interest group or donor, with autonomous operation and funding.
• Quasi Independent: Controlled by an interest group, donor, or contracting agency, but not directly part of the government.
• Government Affiliated: Part of the formal structure of government.
• Quasi Governmental: Funded by government grants and contracts, but not part of the formal structure.
• University Affiliated: A policy research center at a university.
• Political Party Affiliated: Formally affiliated with a political party.
• Corporate (For Profit): A for-profit public policy research organization.

Regional Overview

• North America and Europe host over 3700 think tanks, with North America accounting for 55% of the global total.
• The U.S. has the largest number of think tanks, with 1835 in the U.S. and about 400 in Washington, DC.
• Over half of U.S. think tanks are university affiliated.
• The rate of think tank establishment has declined in the U.S. and Europe over the last 12 years.
• Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East have seen dramatic growth in think tanks, especially since the mid-2000s.
• Think tanks in these regions often rely on government funding, international donors, and corporate support to sustain their operations.
• There is a growing trend toward independent and diverse think tanks in these regions.

Trends and Challenges

• The growth of think tanks in the 20th and 21st centuries was driven by:
  • The information and technological revolution
  • The end of national governments' monopoly on information
  • Increasing complexity and technical nature of policy problems
  • Globalization and the rise of state and non-state actors
  • The need for timely and concise information
• The recent decline in think tank establishment is attributed to:
  • A hostile political and regulatory environment in many countries
  • Decreasing funding from public and private donors
  • Short-term, project-specific funding trends
  • Underdeveloped institutional capacity
  • Increased competition from advocacy groups, consulting firms, and media
  • Some institutions discontinued operations after fulfilling their purpose

Global Populism and Think Tanks

• The 2016 U.S. election and Brexit are analyzed as examples of global populism, driven by economic, social, and political insecurity.
• The report identifies 11 global forces that have contributed to this shift:
  • Energizes and mobilizes the public to rail against the system
  • Globalization and its discontents
  • Constant rate of disruptive technological change
  • Short-termism and quick simple fixes
  • Increasing political polarization
  • A call for action, not ideas
  • Increased velocity of information and policy flows
  • Policy tsunamis
  • Rise of global populists, hacktivists, and anarchists
  • Disruptive technologies empower disruptive politics
  • Erosion of trust in key institutions

Future Directions for Think Tanks

• Think tanks must adapt to the changing policy landscape and respond to new dynamics.
• They need to focus on four M's: Mission, Market, Manpower, and Money.
• The report calls for strategic use of digital platforms and innovative communication methods to reach policymakers and the public effectively.
• Think tanks should prioritize quality, timeliness, and accessibility in their research to remain relevant and impactful.

Conclusion

The 2016 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report underscores the importance of think tanks in shaping global policy and governance. It highlights the challenges they face in a turbulent and rapidly evolving world and calls for adaptation, innovation, and strategic engagement to maintain their relevance and effectiveness. The report also serves as a call to action for think tanks to respond to the growing demand for actionable, reliable, and accessible policy insights in the face of global populism and political uncertainty.