{"id":2852040,"date":"2025-09-16T05:50:40","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T10:50:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthinktanks.org\/?p=2852040"},"modified":"2025-09-16T13:11:07","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T18:11:07","slug":"universities-and-think-tanks-alliance-in-a-knowledge-intensive-society","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthinktanks.org\/articles\/universities-and-think-tanks-alliance-in-a-knowledge-intensive-society\/","title":{"rendered":"Universities and think tanks: A natural alliance in a knowledge-intensive society"},"content":{"rendered":"

Think tanks have long been established a<\/span>s key actors in the policy sphere, serving as pivotal institutions for policy advisory and generators of public debate. The ever-evolving national political landscapes and shifting international conditions create a constant demand for timely, dynamic, and context-specific, knowledge-based analysis and recommendations. In this context, think tanks have strengthened their role as essential links between academic research and the policy domain, translating complex ideas into actionable strategies and fostering informed decision-making.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the past decades, a wide variety of think tanks have emerged, ranging from governmental and nonprofit organisations to independent institutions. Among these, university-based think tanks remain relatively underdeveloped, despite the natural alignment between academic knowledge production and its potential contribution to public policy and societal debate.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the 2025 State of the Sector Report, 27 out of 335 think tanks sampled worldwide (8.1%) identify as university-based. Among these, 70% are led by male directors (19 out of 27), 18.5% by female directors (5 out of 27), and 11.1% have mixed-gender co-leadership (3 out of 27). The two most frequently prioritised topics among university-based think tanks are economics (selected by 74% ) and technology (44%).<\/span><\/p>\n

Download the On Think Tanks State of the Sector Report 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Recent research indicates that the role of university think tanks extends beyond conventional research; they are increasingly involved as norm entrepreneurs in global governance fields, particularly in health and environmental areas. They shape discourses, drive agenda-setting, and provide a platform for collaboration among stakeholders. Moreover, their operations emphasise evidence-based policymaking, which is a critical aspect of their influence in both developed and developing countries.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes university think tanks different and valuable<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

University-based think tanks, although still a small part of the think tank universe, have a fundamental role as bridges. Operating at the intersection of academia and public decision-making, these institutions offer a compelling model: grounded in science, driven by evidence, and focused on impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

What sets them apart? For starters, their connection to universities gives them privileged access to academic resources. They benefit from deep wells of faculty expertise, cutting-edge research facilities, and rich library collections. This intellectual backing isn\u2019t just symbolic; it significantly strengthens the credibility and robustness of the policy recommendations they produce (Ma, 2023; Lyu et al., 2023).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another major strength is interdisciplinary collaboration. Universities naturally encourage researchers from different departments to interact. University think tanks are well-positioned to harness this diversity, providing well-rounded, multidimensional perspectives on today\u2019s most complex policy issues (Ma, 2023; Lyu et al., 2023). <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s the question of stability. Unlike independent think tanks, which often rely on grants from one source to another, university-based think tanks may enjoy more secure funding environments. Their parent institutions often offer structural and financial support, giving them the breathing room to focus on long-term research goals without being constantly caught in the race for short-term fundraising (Jezierska & S\u00f6rbom, 2020).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another fundamental feature is institutional credibility. Being affiliated with a respected university lends these think tanks legitimacy, which can open doors to policymakers, donors, and other key stakeholders. It\u2019s easier to get a seat at the table when your name carries the weight of academic rigour and institutional trust (Lyu et al., 2023).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But there are also some downsides to these advantages. These think tanks face several structural and strategic challenges. One of the most pressing issues is bureaucratic rigidity since university systems are often slow to adapt. This can make it difficult for think tanks to act efficiently or innovate in response to rapidly evolving policy needs. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They also struggle with mismatched timelines. Academic research tends to move at a deliberate pace, sometimes too deliberate for the real-world urgency of public policy. Policymakers often need answers now, not after a multi-year study has been conducted. This tension can limit the immediate relevance of university-based think tanks in fast-moving debates (Lyu et al., 2023).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, there\u2019s the balancing act between academic rigour and policy relevance. While maintaining methodological excellence is non-negotiable, producing actionable insights for decision-makers often requires simplification, speed, and clarity, which can sometimes be at odds with traditional academic values. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Transforming academic insight into public value<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

There is a natural connection between the production of academic knowledge\u2014grounded in theory and empirical evidence\u2014and the ability to transfer that knowledge to society and decision-makers in a clear and accessible way. The growing demand for reliable data sources and actionable analysis that can inform decision-making and support the implementation of solid, context-sensitive public policies creates fertile ground for the development of think tanks linked to or based within universities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the challenges, the potential of university-based think tanks is undeniable. They are uniquely positioned to turn scientific knowledge into practical tools, bringing research out of the ivory tower and into the policymaking arena. As the world faces increasingly complex problems\u2014such as climate change, technological disruption, and health crises\u2014the need for evidence-based, interdisciplinary, and context-sensitive policy advice is greater than ever.\u00a0 University-based think tanks may be just the bridge.<\/span><\/p>\n

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References:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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  1. Jezierska, K. and S\u00f6rbom, A. (2020). Proximity and distance: think tanks handling the independence paradox. <\/span>Governance, 34(2), 395-411. <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/gove.12503<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Lyu, Q., Bielefield, A., & Liu, Y. Q. (2023). Academic pursuits and involvement in decision-making: study on the formation of u.s. university think tanks. <\/span>Administrative Sciences, 13(3), 93. <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/admsci13030093<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Ma, S. (2023). Exploring the construction of college think tank and cultivation of innovative talents based on big data analysis. <\/span>Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences, 9(1). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2478\/amns.2023.2.01036<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    This blog is part of the\u00a0State of the Sector 2025 regional analysis series<\/a>, contributed by our partners to share perspectives from their own contexts.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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