OTT’s work with think tanks often involves supporting new think tanks to develop their strategic plans and existing organisations to refresh their strategies.
I decided to test ChatGPT on these.
First, I asked: Give me a business plan or strategy document for a new think tank. About USD1,000,000 a year in budget. Focused on urban development. In east Africa. With a strong focus on communication and engagement with the genera public. Include: objectives, research agenda, communication plan, team composition and monitoring and evaluation. In under 1000 words.
Then, I asked: Suggest 5 strategies for a think tank worming in Benin can become international.
Finally, I asked: How can we increase the participation of disadvantaged groups in research? For instance poor black researchers in South Africa or researchers from poor rural backgrounds in Peru or female researchers more generally?
Strategic plan for a new think tank
Objectives:
The primary objective of our think tank is to improve urban development in East Africa through research and engagement with the general public. We aim to identify key challenges facing urban areas in the region and propose innovative solutions that can be implemented by policymakers and other stakeholders. Our research will focus on a range of topics including infrastructure, transportation, housing, and economic development.
Research Agenda:
Our research agenda will focus on three main areas:
- Infrastructure: We will research and analyze the infrastructure needs of urban areas in East Africa, including roads, bridges, public transport, and utilities. We will also examine the potential for using new technologies, such as renewable energy and smart city solutions, to improve infrastructure in the region.
- Transportation: We will study the transportation needs of urban areas in East Africa, including both private and public transport options. We will also explore the potential for implementing new technologies, such as electric and autonomous vehicles, to improve mobility and reduce congestion in the region.
- Housing: We will investigate the housing needs of urban areas in East Africa, including affordable housing options and the potential for using new technologies, such as modular construction, to improve the availability and quality of housing in the region.
Communication Plan:
To ensure that our research has a real impact on urban development in East Africa, we will prioritize communication and engagement with the general public. This will include:
- Hosting public events, such as panel discussions and workshops, to share our research findings and engage with the community.
- Developing a strong online presence, including a website and social media accounts, to share our research and engage with a wider audience.
- Partnering with local media outlets to share our research and promote our events.
- Collaborating with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure that our research is taken into account when making decisions about urban development in the region.
Team Composition:
Our team will be composed of experts in urban development, including planners, engineers, and social scientists. We will also have a strong communications team to ensure that our research is effectively shared with the public and policymakers.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
To ensure that our think tank is effective in improving urban development in East Africa, we will regularly monitor and evaluate our progress. This will include tracking the uptake of our research by policymakers and other stakeholders, as well as gathering feedback from the public to gauge the impact of our work. We will also conduct regular assessments of the effectiveness of our communication and engagement efforts.
Strategy refresh: internationalising a think tank
- Develop a strong research agenda: One key way for a think tank in Benin to become international is to focus on producing high-quality research that is relevant to a global audience. This could involve conducting studies on topics that are of broad interest to policy makers and researchers around the world, such as global health, economic development, or climate change. By establishing a reputation for producing rigorous and impactful research, a think tank in Benin can attract attention and support from international organizations and donors.
- Build partnerships and collaborations: Another strategy for a think tank in Benin to become international is to build partnerships and collaborations with organizations and individuals from other countries. This could involve joining networks of think tanks and policy research organizations, collaborating on research projects with international partners, or participating in conferences and events outside of Benin. By establishing these types of connections, a think tank in Benin can gain exposure and credibility in the international community.
- Engage with the media: A think tank in Benin can also increase its international visibility by engaging with the media and sharing its research and insights with a wider audience. This could involve working with local and international journalists to publish articles and op-eds, participating in radio and television interviews, and using social media and other online platforms to share research and insights. By actively promoting its work through the media, a think tank in Benin can attract attention and support from policy makers and researchers around the world.
- Host international events: Another strategy for a think tank in Benin to become international is to host events that bring together researchers and policy makers from different countries. This could include conferences, workshops, or seminars that focus on specific policy issues or research topics. By hosting these types of events, a think tank in Benin can showcase its expertise and build relationships with international stakeholders.
- Leverage technology and social media: Finally, a think tank in Benin can increase its international reach by leveraging technology and social media to share its research and engage with a global audience. This could involve developing a strong online presence, including a website and social media accounts, and using these platforms to share research findings, insights, and analysis. By using technology and social media effectively, a think tank in Benin can attract attention and support from policy makers and researchers around the world.
Strategies for inclusivity
There are a number of strategies that can be used to increase the participation of disadvantaged groups in research, including:
- Targeted outreach and recruitment: Making a concerted effort to identify and engage with potential participants from disadvantaged groups can help to ensure that they are included in research studies. This can involve working with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to identify and reach out to potential participants.
- Inclusive recruitment practices: Ensuring that recruitment practices are inclusive and do not discriminate against or exclude disadvantaged groups can also help to increase their participation in research. This can involve providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities, providing transportation to research sites, and offering incentives or compensation for participation.
- Training and support: Providing training and support to researchers from disadvantaged groups can help to increase their participation in research and improve their capacity to contribute to the research process. This can include providing mentorship, funding for research projects, and support for professional development.
- Addressing structural barriers: Addressing structural barriers, such as discrimination and marginalization, that may prevent disadvantaged groups from participating in research can also be important. This can involve advocating for policy and practice changes to address these barriers and promote equity and inclusion in research.
It is important to note that increasing the participation of disadvantaged groups in research requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the complex and intersecting barriers that these groups may face. Working collaboratively with disadvantaged communities and stakeholders can help to ensure that research is inclusive and responsive to the needs and priorities of these groups.