Why Think Tanks Matter Forum

GLOBSEC and Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program University of Pennsylvania 

invite for a discussion on 

Future of Think Tanks and Policy Advice 

30 January 2019 (Thursday) 

11:00 – 12:30  

GLOBSEC 

Polus Tower II (10th floor) 

Vajnorská 100/B, 831 04 Bratislava, Slovakia 

What is the value-added of think tanks and how effective have they been at communicating why they matter in a highly competitive, information-rich, global marketplace of ideas and policy advice? 

Without the high-quality research that independent think tanks provide, there can be no effective policymaking, nor even a credible basis for debating major issues. Nevertheless, think-tanks face several challenges today. On a global level, challenges come from insecure funding, the entry of new competitors into the policy ideas market, such as NGOs, bloggers, advocacy organizations, universities, social networks and consultancy companies. 

In the competitive marketplace of ideas and policy advice, it is essential that we make the case and provide tangible examples of the important role of think tanks in countries around the world. Therefore, the goal of this event is to analyse how thinking and researching can be delivered globally in such a highly competitive marketplace. We will talk about objective and subjective reasons why think tanks are not recognized globally and what can be done to boost their recognition and fight competitiveness. Furthermore, we will discuss what is the value-added of think tanks and how effective they are in communicating why they matter in a highly competitive, information-rich, global marketplace. 

This unique seminar will be one of the coordinated events organized by the University of Pennsylvania around the world that are intended to highlight the important role think tanks play in governments and civil societies around the world. The events will take place over 2 days in Paris, Beijing, London, Washington DC, New York and approximately 150 other cities around the world. So far 90 think tanks have already agreed to host events in their countries and cities. 

Recommended hashtag for this event: #ThinkTanksMatter @GLOBSEC @TTCSP