The Building for the Future Initiative aims to strengthen student-led think tanks and enrich and broaden the perspectives that inform public policy recommendations. With support from the Open Society Foundations, OTT offers grants to selected student-led think tanks to strengthen their leadership capabilities and promote new perspectives on local and regional policy issues and policy research questions.
Student-led think tanks
OTT is working with student-led think tanks across Europe through three cycles between 2023 and 2026, offering them a grant to:
- Organise multi-regional events on key European policy issues,
- Join the School for Thinktankers, and
- Participate in the OTT Conference.
This initiative offers student-led think tanks a unique chance to:
- Actively contribute to shaping policy discussions on a global stage.
- Strengthen their networks by connecting with peers and global think tank leaders.
- Access the OTT School for Thinktankers, providing valuable insights and support.
- Showcase their perspectives at an international conference, fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
- Promote inclusivity by encouraging consideration of diverse opinions and experiences.
- Publish and disseminate ideas and findings through publications, contributing to knowledge exchange.
- Position their organisations as leaders in the field by sharing valuable and relevant insights.
- Develop empathetic skills by understanding the perspectives of other stakeholders or affected groups
Grant cycles
The initiative started in November 2023 and will end in October 2026.
- Cycle 1: November 2023 – October 2024
- Cycle 2: November 2024 – October 2025
- Cycle 3: November 2025 – October 2026
Join and support the initiative
Our intention is to reach as many student-led think tanks as possible. Student-led think tanks are a perfect training ground for the next generation of thinktankers. They offer an excellent opportunity to instil good practice, encourage the development of necessary skills and inspire new ways of thinking and working.
We expect the future of think tanks will emerge as new generations of thinktankers progress in their careers.
We are looking for funders interested in supporting a deeper engagement with student-led think tanks and extending the reach of the project across and beyond Europe.
- Are you a student-led think tank leader looking to include your think tank in the programme?
- Are you a funder looking to support student-led think tank in your region or sector?