Think tanks - featuring tomorrow today.

 Think tanks - featuring tomorrow today.

A think tank method refers to the study of particular policies, issues, or ideas by a gathering of a group of interdisciplinary scholars. In think tanks, a wide range of topics are addressed, including social policy, public policy, economic policy, political strategy, culture, and technology (Caliva & Scheier (1992). It also refers to the techniques, processes, and approaches used by think tanks to conduct research, analyze data, and generate policy recommendations or insights on various issues. Think tanks are organizations or institutions conducting research and analysis to inform and influence public policy and decision-making. These methods are essential for producing high-quality research that contributes to informed public discourse and disseminating findings that promote evidence-based decision-making.

Activities in a think tank method are characterized by research design, data collection, analysis, and expertise. Think tanks are known for their interdisciplinary approach, peer review, and public engagement, leading to policy recommendations, which is the ultimate goal. Most often, the policy recommendations are actionable and free from bias because of the independence and transparency they enjoy in their funding. In most instances, they may assess the impact of their research and recommendations over time to evaluate their effectiveness in influencing policy decisions and addressing societal challenges. 

Scenario Planning 

This is a systematic process for envisioning multiple potential future scenarios and their implications for an organization, government, or other entities. It systematically looks into the future. When external uncertainty is unpredictable or high, scenario planning is a practical tool for collective strategic thinking in organizations (Shoemaker, 2016). It begins by identifying critical factors and then creating all probable scenarios, which are analyzed to understand their potential implications, risks, and opportunities.

Design Thinking

This is another method used in think tanks. It consists of five phases: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. It is a non-linear, human-centered, and iterative process. It is used to challenge assumptions, redefine problems discovered, and create solutions that are turned into prototypes for testing before dissemination. 

Think tank Examples:

Examples of think tanks are the Brookings Institution and Rand Corporation. These examples of think tanks represent a spectrum of ideological perspectives and research areas. They demonstrate the diversity and influence of think tanks in shaping policy debates and decisions in their respective domains.

Brookings Institution

The Brookings Institution is one of the oldest and most influential think tanks in the United States. It is focused on researching and analyzing various domestic and international policy issues, including economics, governance, foreign policy, and social policies. Brookings boasts a diverse team of experts in various fields, including economics, political science, international relations, and public policy. Its scholars produce research that informs policy discussions at both the national and global levels. This is why it is often called upon to testify before Congress, provide briefings to government agencies, and engage with the media. Their work influences healthcare reform, economic development, and international diplomacy policy decisions.

RAND Corporation:

The RAND Corporation is a non-profit research organization known for its interdisciplinary approach to policy analysis. It conducts research in areas such as national security, healthcare, education, and technology policy. Its researchers are of diverse backgrounds, including social sciences, engineering, and public policy, and use a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods to address complex policy challenges. RAND's research often informs government decisions, particularly in the fields of defense and national security. It has contributed to the development of military strategies, technology development, healthcare policy recommendations, and disaster preparedness.

References

Bender-Salazar, R. (2023). Design thinking as an effective method for problem-setting and need finding for entrepreneurial teams addressing wicked problems. J Innov Entrep 12, 24 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-023-00291-2

Caliva, L., & Scheier, I. H. (1992). The Center for Creative Community: The Think Tank Technique. Retrieved from http://academic.regis.edu/volunteer/ivan/sect03/sect03b.htm

Hauck, J. C. R. (2017). What are ‘Think Tanks’? Revisiting the Dilemma of the Definition. Brazilian Political Science Review, 11(2), 1-30. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1981-3821201700020006.

Schoemaker, P.J.H. (2016). Scenario Planning. In: Augier, M., Teece, D. (eds) The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Strategic Management. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-94848-2_652-1