On Think Tanks Monthly
Connect, learn and exchange knowledge
Dear Reader,
Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome you to the first edition of the On Think Tanks Newsletter.
In this newsletter, we will explore the evolving world of think tanks and their critical role in shaping evidence-informed policies.
If you want to learn more about OTT’s work across the broader evidence-informed policymaking field, keep an eye out for our main newsletter. (Read past issues here and subscribe if you haven't already.)
In this inaugural edition of the Newsletter, I want to introduce you to the entire On Think Tanks programme. Founded in 2010, On Think Tanks has gone a long way since its origins as a blog. Today, we are a leading global source of information, support and community for people working in, with, and funding think tanks. It creates multiple opportunities and spaces to connect, learn and exchange knowledge, ideas and resources.
The OTT Conference: Since 2017, the annual OTT Conference has brought together over 1,300 think tankers, funders and policy experts from around the world to connect, exchange and learn from each other. Learn more about the 2025 OTT Conference in South Africa.
The School for Thinktankers: The School is designed to prepare future think tank leaders. We have an alumni community of over 250 think tankers worldwide. We are thrilled to start in a few days its ninth edition, with 30+ participants, in partnership with Fundaciò Bofill. Find out more here and join us in Barcelona in 2026.
The State of the Sector Report: The only global publication of its kind provides an annual snapshot of the state of the think tank sector globally and regionally. In the 2024 edition, we launched the report together with our wonderful 21 partners from nine subregions of the world. We reached organisations in 95 countries, and in two months, we have exceeded a thousand downloads of the report. Read the latest report.
The Open Think Tank Directory: The OTTD features over 4,000 organisations worldwide. It is a public database to foster greater transparency and collaboration in the field. Until the end of the month, we are campaigning for the members to update their profiles and new ones to join in preparation for the 2025 State of the Sector survey’s launch in March 2025. Explore and add your think tank to the directory.
Building for the Future Initiative: We are currently delivering the second cycle of the initiative, which aims to strengthen student-led think tanks and enrich and broaden the perspectives that inform public policy recommendations. Four student think tanks from France, Germany, the UK and Asia will join the programme until the third and last cycle starts in October. These unique organisations offer the opportunity to develop the passion and skills of future think tank leaders. Find out how to support student think tanks.
Funders Circle: We host a closed group of think tank funders, creating a space for peer learning, support, and collaboration. Contact us to find out how to join.
We invite you to explore these exciting initiatives advancing informed decision-making and global dialogue.
Best Regards,
Estefanía Terán Valdez
Director, On Think Tanks Programme
On Think Tanks is a public good. It sits under our evidence generation and communication workstrand, which focuses on supporting think tanks and policy research organisations, and we always seek to share what we learn from OTT’s consulting projects back through the On Think Tanks spaces so that more people can benefit from it.
Our efforts are currently possible thanks to partnerships with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Mercator Stiftung, Open Society Foundations and the Robert Bosch Foundation.
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Featured Articles
Think tanks influence more than just policy outcomes—they shape dialogues, build capacity, and generate ideas that impact society in diverse ways. In this article, Estefanía Terán Valdez explores how broadening the lens on impact helps think tanks demonstrate their value, strengthen partnerships, and navigate complex policy ecosystems.
Read the article! →
Enrique Mendizabal shares his top 20 think tanks and initiatives to watch and learn from. From Spain's Oficina Nacional de Asesoramiento Científico's efforts in embedding scientific advice into policymaking to Cast from Clay's "Policy Unstuck" series, providing valuable insights into policy processes, these efforts showcase innovative approaches to solving complex policy challenges.
Read the article! →
On Think Tanks Programme Updates
Join the Open Think Tank Directory
In 2018, we launched the Open Think Tank Directory. Fast forward to today, the directory consists of over 3,800 think tanks. As we embark on a new cycle, we invite you to update your think tank's details in the Open Think Tank Directory. This is an excellent opportunity to ensure your organisation is accurately represented and easily discoverable by researchers, policymakers, and potential collaborators.
Add or update your profile →
OTT Conference 2025: Think tanks and impact
The 2025 OTT Conference will focus on think tanks and impact. Hosted in partnership with the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the New South Institute (NSI), the conference brings together think tank leaders, funders, policy experts and other actors from around the world to engage in dialogues, prepare future generations of analysts and decision-makers, and enhance the capacity of diverse entities, including political parties and the private sector.
Register your interest →
On Think Tanks State of the Sector Report 2024
Last year, we launched the fifth edition of the State of the Sector Report. Drawing on survey responses from nearly 300 organisations across 95 countries, the report offers a comparative perspective on the key factors shaping think tanks’ sustainability, impact, and prospects for the future.
Download the report →
Building for the Future Initiative
Every year, we offer grants to selected European student-led think tanks to strengthen their leadership capabilities and promote new perspectives on European policy issues and research questions. After reviewing applications from across Europe, we’re thrilled to announce the selection of four grantee student-led think tanks for the second cycle of the On Think Tanks Building for the Future Initiative for 2025.
Meet the grantees →
News from the Think Tank Sector
TAI NEW STUDY: The strategic role of global south intermediaries in advancing localization goals
In an evolving international development landscape, the push for localization has gained urgency. Global South Intermediary Organizations (GSIs) are emerging as key players, offering a promising pathway to achieving localization programming. To harness their potential, it is crucial to develop a deeper understanding of their functions, structures, and strategies.
Learn more →
‘Dark Money’ is tainting Washington think tanks. A new report shows it’s worse than you think
A recent report reveals that leading Washington think tanks have received over $110 million from foreign governments in the past five years, with the United Arab Emirates contributing nearly $17 million. Notably, the Atlantic Council and the Brookings Institution topped the list of foreign government beneficiaries, taking in nearly $21 million and over $17 million, respectively.
Explore the article →
Think tanks: Thought leaders and networkers
Klaus Huhold explores the pivotal role of think tanks in shaping development policies and fostering international dialogue. Highlighting institutions such as Chatham House and IDOS, his piece delves into their contributions to addressing critical issues like climate change and migration while examining the evolving landscape of funding and influence.
Explore the article →
Find out more about other OTT workstreams
Ready to share your lessons learned and spark debate in the think tank world?
Contribute your thoughts to OTT's platform!
Whether it's a list of top readings, lessons from your experiences, or thought-provoking arguments, we want to hear from you.
Become a contributor →
Upcoming eventsSchool for Thinktankers 2025 | February 3 - 7, 2025
OTT Conference 2025 – Think tanks and impact | June 16 - 18, 2025 | Register your interest
Hosting an event in the realm of think tanks or evidence-informed policy? Share the details of your event with us, and let's amplify your impact together. Complete our events submission form.
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