On Think Tanks is a leading global source of information, support and community for people working in, with and funding think tanks. We create a space to connect, learn and exchange knowledge, ideas and resources.
On Think Tanks is a public good. It sits under our evidence generation and communication workstrand which focuses on supporting think tanks and policy research orgnisations, and we always seek to share what we learn from OTT’s consulting projects back through the On Think Tanks spaces, so that more people can benefit from it.
Our efforts are currently possible thanks to partnerships with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Mercator Stiftung, Open Society Foundations and the Robert Bosch Foundation. If you would like to support On Think Tanks, get in touch.
Our activities
Global Conference
Since 2017, the Annual OTT Conference has brought together over 1,300 thinktankers, funders and policy experts from around the world to connect, exchange and learn. Learn more about the 2025 OTT Conference in South Africa.
We also support the organisation of regional and national conferences and events to encourage local think tank and policy research communities.
School for Thinktankers
The School is a one-week in-person training programme. It is taught by current and former think tank directors and expert practitioners, and is designed to prepare participants for, or to strengthen, think tank leadership. It adopts a holistic learning approach by incorporating sessions by policy experts, site visits to policy-related institutions, networking opportunities, peer exchange and learning with a diverse cohort, and access to curated reading lists. We have an alumni community of over 250 thinktankers worldwide. Register to the 2025 School for Thinktankers in Barcelona.
State of the sector report
The think tank state of the sector report provides an annual snapshot of the state of the think tank sector globally and regionally. The only global publication of its kind, the think tank state of the sector report draws on data from the Open Think Tank Directory and an annual sector survey. It offers insights into the contextual and organisational challenged faced by think tanks. The report and the survey offers data useful to think tanks, other civil society organisations, funders, researchers and evaluators interested in understanding how systems change over time. Read the latest reports.
Open Think Tank Directory
We set up the Directory in 2016 to promote sector transparency and respond to the lack of publicly available information on policy research centres. Today, it features over 4,000 organisations worldwide. We often use the directory to undertaking landscape analyses and mappings of think tanks for funders. The database is publicly available. Browse the Directory.
Building for the Future
On Think Tanks has always supported young thinktankers. We are currently delivering an initiative to strengthen student think tanks. These unique organisations offer the opportunity to develop the passion and skills of future think tank leaders. Find out how to support student think tanks.
Funders Circle
We facilitate a closed group of think tank funders, creating a space for peer learning, support, and exchange. Current members include the Bosch Foundation, Mercator Stiftung, the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Open Societies Foundation, IDRC, Jacobs Foundation, and the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund. Ask to join.
Ideas, knowledge and resources
We publish regular articles and resources, sharing learning and experience from across our community. Browse the latest articles, podcasts, publications and videos.
The Build a think tank guide is a companion for policy entrepreneurs to set up and grow nascent think tanks. It is framed around a series of questions that all think tank founders should ask themselves, each question illustrated with different examples. The guide is available in English, French and Arabic. More learning resources can be found in our library of online courses.
Services and advice
The On Think Tanks team engages with and supports thinktankers and their funders to find resources, make connections and develop their plans.
Our jobsboard is a free service for think tanks and seekers. The OTT Calendar shares opportunities for think tanks to participate and network across the world.