Latin America, the Caribbean, and non-EU Europe report the highest levels of political polarisation.
[November 7, 2024] – The newly released 2024 State of the Sector Report from On Think Tanks highlights the critical challenges facing think tanks worldwide amid rising political polarisation.
Drawing on survey responses from nearly 300 organisations across 95 countries, the report reveals that over half of think tanks report significant impacts from political polarisation, hindering their ability to engage diverse audiences and secure essential funding.
Download the 2024 On Think Tanks State of the Sector Report
As political landscapes become increasingly divided, think tanks find it more challenging to fulfil their role as knowledge brokers for evidence-informed decision-making. Polarisation is negatively influenced more significantly than income and the political regime. This trend poses a threat to their influence on policy and public discourse.
Key findings from the report include:
- Institution/Organisation matters: The survey responses revealed a strong correlation between organisational features and impact. Think tanks’ reliance on project-based funding affects their capacity to cover indirect costs and sustain long-term staffing. Conversely, think tanks that secure more substantial funding, maintain a stable workforce, and have a structured team tend to report a more significant impact on policy outcomes.
- Polarisation challenges: Think tanks in regions such as Latin America, the Caribbean, and non-EU Europe report the highest levels of political polarisation, which creates significant obstacles to engaging policymakers and other stakeholders.
- Funding Disparities: There is a significant divide in funding models between high-income and low-income countries. While think tanks in wealthier nations primarily rely on domestic sources, those in lower-income contexts often depend on short-term project grants from international donors, leading to financial instability.
- Evolving Research Priorities: Economic policy and governance remain the top research priorities; however, regional variations exist. For instance, environmental issues dominate in East & South-East Asia, while international relations are prioritised in the EU & EFTA region.
- Emerging Trends: Integrating technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), presents opportunities and challenges for think tanks. While AI can potentially transform research production and communications, its adoption is incipient across the sector.
The report also addresses gender dynamics within think tanks, revealing significant disparities in leadership representation. While women are overrepresented in Latin American and Caribbean think tanks—comprising 57% of leadership roles—they remain a minority in most other regions. This underrepresentation raises concerns about equity within the sector.
Moreover, despite recognising gender equity as a critical issue for organisational effectiveness, only a small percentage of think tanks have implemented strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their ranks. As think tanks navigate the complexities of political polarisation, prioritising gender equity could enhance their ability to engage with broader audiences and foster collaborative solutions to pressing societal challenges.
The 2024 State of the Sector Report serves as a vital resource for understanding how think tanks can navigate these complex challenges while continuing to contribute meaningfully to policy discussions.