Think tanks are a small but mighty sector, but not always understood externally. Here are some answers to the most common questions asked about think tanks.
What is a think tank?
There is no one set definition of a think tank but as a platform set up to disseminate think tank research and events, Smart Thinking is well placed to attempt to articulate what a think tank is.
Broadly speaking, think tanks are not-for-profit organisations whose primary aim is the production and presentation of rigorous research of public policy to the policymakers, politicians and the public. A think tank aims to have a lasting and meaningful ability to contribute to public policy dialogue in the UK.
Think tanks are generally not politically aligned and work hard to maintain political neutrality but they will have a mission or outlook that feeds into their work. For example they might view policies through more of a free-market lens or they might think more direct involvement by the state would be a better approach. By looking at the different organisations’ published research you will get a good sense of where their approach lies.
What areas of public policy do think tanks look at?
All of them! If there is a policy challenge then there is usually a think tank looking at it. Big domestic policy areas include housing, health, education and the environment. You will also have think tanks that mainly look more internationally with a focus on foreign relations and security and defence.
How are think tanks organised?
The central function in all think tanks is the research team. The number of researchers can range from tiny teams of under 5 to groups in their hundreds. Day to day they are responsible for producing the policy analysis and recommendations that they can then feed into government and other stakeholders and which forms the basis of a think tank’s other work. This other work includes events (think tanks are great conveners) and communications – think tanks are often used by journalists for comment. To do all this though they also need a fundraising team to keep everything afloat!
Who funds think tanks?
Think tank donors are split between 3 main groups – trusts and foundations, corporates and individual donors. The split in each individual think tank will vary but most have a mix of all three. Donors fund research projects as well as events with party conference being a good example of how they can raise significant sums of money with a big events programme. Typically, they don’t receive government funding. A lot of UK think tanks are educational charities and must follow rules laid out by the Charities Commission.
Are there different types of think tanks?
Yes. Think tanks range from tiny organisations focusing on one policy area to century-old large global institutions covering a multitude of topics. There are also think tanks that sit within universities or are housed by a large grant-making foundation or charity. But the test of whether one of their primary aims is to produce rigorous independent research still stands.
How do think tanks influence policy?
By disseminating their research and recommendations to interested stakeholders. This can be by presenting it directly to policymakers (including the civil service) and politicians, or more indirectly by getting other stakeholders, including journalists, to take an interest in their work through their events and commentary.
Are think tanks charities?
Many of the UK think tanks are registered charities, but not all. They can also be not-for-profit organisations or companies limited by guarantee.
