May 22
Foreign funders need proof of their grantees' influence because they do not know enough about their political contexts. If think tank funders were less like risk-adverse tourist and more like local politically engaged citizens they would not demand impact evaluations and complicated indicators of influence. But to avoid this, funding needs to be local.
Think tanks are too passive when it comes to the design of initiatives intended to support them. Funders and contractors treat them as recipients of Aid and think tanks let this happen. Instead, they should take the initiative and improve their negotiation position by developing, in collaboration with others, their own support plans.
In this week's Managing Think Tanks chapter, we focus on the importance of think tanks having an understanding of its costs, and control and accountability of its use of sponsor funding. Two methods are outlined for including indirect costs into project cost allocation.
Should think tanks charge for content as an approach to increase and diversify their revenue sources? Maybe -or maybe not. But it might be worth exploring what models are out there and how they could be adapted for think tanks. One in particular, the live-gig model offers them a chance to raise income and reach key audiences.
Zambia has emerged as a fertile ground for new think tanks. Innovative donors, an enlightened political leadership, and committed individuals offer interesting lessons.
The designation of the new president of the Heritage Foundation raises the question of whether if think tanks are becoming lobbyists.
Foreign funding for think tanks seems to be decreasing, affecting institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the world. Dependence on foreign funding and few domestic sources paint a worrying picture for their future. But is it the same for all?
In this interview, Sandra Polonia Rios, Director of theCentro de Estudos de Integração e Desenvolvimento, in Brazil, discusses how different funding models can affect think tanks' influence
A former US Senator's investment in a new think tank shows that philanthropy is a common activity in rich nations - not so in developing countries. Domestic philanthropy must be promoted, and local donors must be persuaded to invest in local think tanks.
Hans Gutbrod outlines some ideas that should be considered when thinking of setting up a new think tank. He argues that planning and learning from others are critical for success. And do not forget that management will matter as much as the quality of your research.
Theme: Linen by The Theme Foundry
