- In its 6th edition, the On Think Tanks State of the Sector Report 2025, draws on responses from 333 think tanks across 102 countries. 25 Think Tank organisations support this year’s report.
- This year’s edition sheds light on the sector’s growing challenges and emerging opportunities, underscoring the central role of evidence in an age of polarisation.
- The report shows that political polarisation is on the rise, with 36% of think tanks reporting that it strongly affects their work, up from 24% in 2024.
- Beyond polarisation, the report highlights persistent funding gaps, unequal salary structures, and a widening digital divide, while also pointing to opportunities in stronger internal systems, innovation, and inclusion.
London, 17 September 2025- On Think Tanks has released the State of the Sector Report 2025, offering the most comprehensive snapshot yet of how think tanks worldwide are navigating today’s complex political, financial, and technological environment.
Now in its sixth edition, the report draws on responses from 333 think tanks across 102 countries, complemented by data from OTT’s Open Think Tank Directory, which covers more than 3,800 organisations, and in-depth discussions with think tank leaders. This year, we worked alongside 25 think tank organisations who contributed to shaping and supporting the report, ensuring it reflects diverse perspectives from across the sector.
This year’s edition sheds light on the sector’s growing challenges and emerging opportunities, underscoring the central role of evidence in an age of high political polarisation. A first finding is that optimism about the future of the sector is uneven. Think tanks in wealthier democracies, especially those with larger budgets, are less confident about their growth prospects. In contrast, organisations in lower-income and more restrictive contexts often express stronger growth expectations. This points to a paradox in which resources do not necessarily translate into optimism or resilience.
At the same time, political polarisation is on the rise, with 36% of think tanks reporting that it strongly affects their work, up from 24% in 2024. Polarisation is disrupting partnerships, funding opportunities, and media access, yet institutions operating in environments where evidence is valued remain more resilient. “This year’s findings underline a central truth: a high value for evidence is the anchor that sustains think tanks through turbulence,” said Enrique Mendizabal, Founder and CEO of On Think Tanks. “Whether in democracies or authoritarian contexts, organisations thrive when research-based evidence is respected, trusted, and used. The report also shows that funding alone no longer defines resilience; what matters most is clarity of purpose, sound internal systems, and the ability to adapt in a fragmented world.”
The research also shows that funding models are not sufficient to explain institutional strength. While core and domestic funding remain valuable, they do not guarantee sustainability, stability, or strategic clarity. Covering indirect costs continues to be a challenge for many organisations. What proves more decisive is the quality of the relationship between funders and think tanks: trust, flexibility, and alignment are essential.
A further finding highlights that internal structures matter more than size. Think tanks without dedicated human resources or finance teams consistently report more needs in these areas. Fundraising continues to be the most pressing capacity challenge worldwide, with nearly three-quarters of think tanks identifying it as a critical need. This suggests that strengthening internal systems is a key lever of resilience.
Technological change is also reshaping the sector. AI adoption has increased sharply, with 71% of think tanks using AI tools in 2025 (up from 57% in 2024). However, access to these tools remains uneven, reflecting a widening digital divide between high-income and low-income countries. This divide is not about willingness but about access to training, infrastructure, and supportive ecosystems, risks that could deepen inequalities in knowledge production and influence.
Finally, the report shows that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies are present but unevenly embedded. Gender is the most common focus, yet most efforts remain concentrated on internal HR practices rather than being extended to research design or external engagement. For many organisations, embedding DEI across all dimensions of their work remains an unfinished agenda. “The State of the Sector is more than a report. It is a tool for our community to reflect, learn, and act together,” said Estefanía Teran, Senior Associate, On Think Tanks. “In 2025, we face challenges but also opportunities to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge, and amplify the role of evidence in shaping fairer and more sustainable societies. We hope this report inspires think tanks, funders, and partners worldwide to engage and lead with purpose.”
About the report
The On Think Tanks State of the Sector Report 2025 builds on 15 years of research into the global think tank landscape. It offers comparative insights across time, regions, and political contexts, while exploring new dimensions such as the value placed on research evidence and detailed data on salary structures.
To download the report, please visit: http://onthinktanks.org/sos2025
Key messages available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sNEND3Or9RhClSIpfj2bE8Ll9biQKt-u/view?usp=drive_link
For media enquiries and interview requests:
Andrea Cabrera, Communications and Marketing Manager – OTT