Think tank state of the sector survey 2026

8 January 2026
Help map the global think tank sector

The Think Tank State of the Sector Survey 2026 captures how think tanks are operating, adapting, and evolving worldwide.

Combined with updated profiles in the Open Think Tank Directory and nominations for 100 Think Tanks to Watch, your input helps shape a more accurate, visible, and shared picture of the global think tank sector.

Take the State of the Sector 2026 survey

Add/update your think tank

About the survey

Think tanks play an essential role in supporting positive change locally and globally. Yet, they face many challenges, and for many around the world, it is getting harder to operate.

The On Think Tanks State of the Sector Survey captures a snapshot of think tank operations and the contexts in which they work. These insights and data from the Open Think Tank Directory inform the annual think tank State of the Sector Report, helping foster dialogue between think tank leaders, funders, and evidence users about how best to support and drive the sector forward.

Our vision is a more transparent, informed, and connected sector. If you share this vision, take the On Think Tanks Sector Survey 2026 to be counted.

This year, to complement the global report, we’re excited to partner with 21 fantastic think tanks around the world to provide a more nuanced regional analysis of the data. 

By participating, you contribute to shaping the most comprehensive global report on think tanks, helping to strengthen the sector’s visibility, sustainability, and impact. Your responses not only inform evidence-based decision-making but also support the continued development of the On Think Tanks programme, the Open Think Tank Directory, and new research initiatives that enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange across regions.

How to take part 

If you are registered in the Open Think Tank Directory, you will receive an invitation with the survey link. If you’re not registered on the Open Think Tank Directory and would like to participate, email us at [email protected].

Please ensure that only one survey is completed per organisation.

The survey response will be treated as the organisation’s perspective, not the individual responding. Therefore, it is important to identify who in your team is best placed to respond. We recommend someone in the leadership team who can consult on other areas when needed, such as Communication and Finance.

Responses will be presented anonymously and aggregated, and in the report, no one can see who within the organisation responded or which responses belong to which organisation.

The survey takes around 25 to 30 minutes to complete.

Together, let’s drive the sector forward!

Prizes

To show our appreciation for your participation in this survey, OTT is excited to offer two exclusive prizes. Winners will be chosen at random from all participating organisations:

  • Priority invitation and waived registration fee to the OTT Conference 2027.
  • Complimentary one-hour expert consultation tailored to support your organisation’s specific needs—strategic advice or project feedback.
Want to know more about the State of the Sector Report?

Partners

The think tank state of the sector report is possible thanks to the generous funding of the William Hewlett & Flora Foundation, OTT Consulting, Mercator Stiftung, and the Robert Bosch Foundation.

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