In order to stimulate collaboration and learning among think tanks, the Think Tank Initiative (TTI) and the Think Tank Fund (TTF) will support a series of multilateral exchanges, followed by bilateral collaborations, involving eight think tanks. This is a call for proposals from think tanks interested in participating in these exchanges and carrying collaborative research.
The first phase will involve a series of multilateral “exchange events” involving researchers from the selected think tanks. These exchanges will take place between February and June 2014 and will bring together the same cohort of researchers from the selected think tanks in 2 face to face meeting of up to 4 days as well as up to 3 webinars. The aim of the exchange events is to create stronger relationships among participating researchers; to examine and discuss the barriers to collaboration between think tanks, and to plan collaborative research projects.
These research projects may involve collaborative work either on specific public policy issues or organisational development issues specific to think tanks. They will be carried out in the second phase of the project, from September 2014 to June 2015. The Exchange will be managed by a small team hosted by On Think Tanks.
Think tanks interested in participating should apply by 30 November 2013.
The application should nominate one of their researchers to participate in the exchanges and carry out collaborative research. The application should be accompanied by a letter from the think tank’s Executive Director expressing their interest in participating and their commitment and capacity to host an exchange meeting. Think tanks that have already identified potential partners for collaborative research projects are welcome to apply (the potential partners may submit a joint application). Other think tanks will have the opportunity to identify partners and develop collaborative research projects during the multilateral exchanges.
Criteria for selection include:
- The quality of the researchers put forward as participants by the Executive Directors;
- Commitment by the think tank’s leadership to the project – including willingness to serve on the Steering Committee of the initiative;
- Capacity of the think tank to help with local logistics and communications for the exchanges (at least 4 think tans will get to host the exchanges and 6 will help organise a webinar);
- Commonality of public policy and organizational development capacities and interests (this will be assessed to find the most appropriate mix of think tanks).
At least one think tank will be selected from each of the following regions: Latin America, South Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Former Soviet Union, East Africa, and West Africa.
The selection will be made in December 2013.
To apply follow the instructions in the Application process and forms page.