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This article was written by Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CAPRI) as part of the publication of the 2024 On Think Tanks State of the Sector Report. Explore the report and resources here.
One of the key advantages CAPRI gains from attending the OTT annual conference is the opportunity to benchmark our performance against other think tanks. As the sole independent public policy applied research organisation in the English-speaking Caribbean, we often navigate our path in a vacuum, guided by core principles: adhering to where the data leads, maintaining impartiality, and upholding the highest standards of quality, integrity, analysis, writing, and ethics. Engaging with peers from around the globe allows us to assess our position—whether we are on the right track, what emerging issues and trends we should consider, and what best practices we can adopt.
At OTT 2024, I left with reassurance that our work is progressing well in the areas that matter most. However, the most striking takeaway was the realisation that CAPRI and similar organisations engaged in political and economic research operate in a relatively open political environment, particularly in contrast to counterparts in some established democracies. This perspective is particularly significant given the varied political climates in which think tanks operate globally.
Download the On Think Tanks State of Sector 2024 Report
Upon receiving the data from the state of the sector survey, I was eager to explore whether my perceptions were corroborated. I was mainly interested in seeing what the data revealed regarding how conducive Jamaica’s political environment is for independent public policy research compared to other countries. I examined several indicators, including the degree of independence in conducting and publishing research without external interference, the ease of engaging with individuals across the political spectrum, the impact of shifts in the political environment, and the extent to which political polarisation affects research. I then compared Jamaica’s results to those from other countries.
The findings largely confirmed my perceptions from the conference. CAPRI reported complete independence regarding our ability to conduct research without external influence, placing us among only 29 (approximately 11%) respondents who claimed the same. More than half of the think tanks surveyed (149 out of 297) indicated they were mostly independent, while 9% reported being mostly restricted. The remaining 68 responses, making up approximately 25%, stated they were neither restricted nor independent. This data not only reinforces CAPRI’s strong position but also highlights a broader trend among think tanks worldwide: while many operate independently, a notable portion still faces significant challenges.
When examining the political situation’s impact over the past 12 months, CAPRI reported no impact at all, which I interpreted as a strong indicator of political independence. While not all the think tanks responded to this question, of the 248 that did, 100 (40%) said the impact was unfavourable, while 51 (21%) indicated it was favourable. CAPRI stood among 97 (39%) respondents who reported no influence from politics. This resilience is particularly vital in a Caribbean context, where political turbulence can often disrupt research agendas and affect the credibility of think tanks.
Looking ahead, responses to the question about the expected impact of the political situation in the next 12 months showed a mix of optimism and concern. CAPRI again was in the minority, not anticipating any political impact in the coming year. This contrasts sharply with the broader sentiment, as many think tanks are bracing for potential challenges arising from ongoing political developments. The implications of this could be significant, as think tanks that expect adverse political influences may need to adjust their strategies to maintain their independence and efficacy.
Finally, I turned to the question that sought to assess the impact of political polarisation on research operations. This area perhaps most clearly confirmed that CAPRI enjoys more freedom from political factors than most of its counterparts. We reported that political polarisation does not impact us at all, whereas most other think tanks perceive political polarisation as having a moderate or significant impact on their work. This presents challenges for independent research efforts, as political divisions can hinder collaboration and limit the scope of research initiatives. The ability to navigate these challenges is crucial for think tanks aiming to provide objective, evidence-based insights.
The juxtaposition of Jamaica’s, and by extension the English-speaking Caribbean’s relatively open political environment against the backdrop of challenges faced by think tanks in other contexts is a useful lens through which to view our work. The English-speaking Caribbean is made up of tiny, relatively stable democracies. While most of CAPRI’s work is done in and on Jamaica, I would venture that our experience in Jamaica would most likely be similar in our sister CARICOM countries. Seeing the data from other countries reminds me not to take this for granted.
The freedom to pursue evidence-informed policy research free of political considerations augurs well for the integrity of the research findings, and their potential to have meaningful impact on policy. The comparison to other countries reminds me that we are in a privileged position in this regard, and we should actively protect and safeguard our independence. While we have much to celebrate regarding our independence and the ability to operate free from political interference, we must remain cognisant of the evolving political landscape and its potential implications.
These findings, and others from the survey, serve as useful points for reflection as we advance our mission to provide high-quality, impactful research that informs public policy in Jamaica and contributes to Caribbean development.
