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This chapter explores the importance of different types of partners for student-led think tanks. Establishing strong partnerships can enhance credibility, expand reach, and create opportunities for greater impact. The following table outlines the different types of partners student-led think tanks can collaborate with, and their key benefits.
| Types of partners | Key benefits | Examples |
| Think Tank and Research Institution Partnerships | These collaborations can enhance credibility and expand reach | STEAR has collaborated with Brussels based think tank European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS). They aim to expand their partners to other leading European and Asian organisations and think tanks, such as the East Asia Institute, Chatham House, and the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA). |
| NGOs and civil society partnerships | These partnerships often align on shared goals and can amplify the impact of joint initiatives | GROW has partnered with NGOs and lawyers on advocacy campaigns, events, and policy recommendations. It is also part of civil society-led coalitions advocating for policy changes at the Council of Europe and the European Union. |
| International organisations and institutions | These collaborations allow student-led think tanks to contribute to broader policy discussions and initiatives | European Student Think Tank has partnered with the European Youth Forum, a platform of youth organisations funded by the Council of Europe, and Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. |
| Private sector | This type of collaboration allows student-led think tanks to diversify their funding, and reach new audiences | Warwick Think Tank has partnered with Bright Network, a recruitment platform, and a UK based consultancy firm ekosgen. Epis Think Tank partners with EsperoTech, a technology consulting agency based in Munich, Germany. |
| Other student-led organisations | These partnerships can have a lower barrier to entry compared to other types of partners, allowing less established student-led think tanks an opportunity to expand their networks | Warwick Think Tank collaborates with other student organisations at the University of Warwick, such as the Warwick Politics Society and the Warwick Environmental Social Governance Society. |
“Our President and Board members conduct outreach to a variety of organisations and partners.”
– Student Think Tank for Europe-Asia Relations (STEAR)
“In addition to in-person networking, we leverage our active presence on social media to engage with a broader audience and share its work. This digital outreach not only raises awareness about the organization’s activities but also serves as a platform to attract potential partners who share its goals. Alongside social media efforts, we conduct extensive desk research to identify organisations and individuals whose objectives align with our mission. This research informs targeted outreach efforts, including mailing campaigns and direct communications, ensuring that partnerships are intentional and impactful.”
– Generation for Rights over the World (GROW)
Further reading: