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The role of think tanks in public policies

Those who make public policies to implement for their constituents go through consultative process from research organizations called think tanks. The latter’s research inputs or knowledge inform these policy makers prior to its finalization. The phrase “think tanks” although of modern origin describing those experts or organization who inform decision makers have been around since the 16th and 17th centuries according to Jacob Soll, a University of Southern California historian. (source Wikipedia entry at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think_tank). Google search of the definition of the phrase think tanks, define it  as “a body of experts providing advice and ideas on specific political or economic problems.”

The growing importance of the indispensable services provided by think tanks in providing rational, evidence based information for   decision making in the international community has seen consequently the proliferation of public policy research organizations in various regions such as Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia, as noted by James McGann.

Herman Joseph S. Kraft have posited too, that think tanks have always been perceived as vital to the formal policy-making process in any country. Additionally, Kraft observed that through these think tanks, government “has been able to tap into the concerns of the people,” proving their important contribution in government’s effort to read the public mind. In the context of the Philippine experience where Kraft situated his paper about think tanks, Kraft noted the growing advocacy and cause oriented groups, “each with its own research and policy agendas in policy relevant issues not only in the Philippines, but also throughout the Asia-Pacific region” and how these groups contributed indirectly to influence policy making process.

In an article cited in Wikipedia discussing think tanks (entitled,” on the business model and how this affects what think tanks do « on think tanks". Onthinktanks.wordpress.com. Retrieved 2011­11­02.), it has been shown that a good way to look at think thanks will be to see it in the light or nature of how they get their funding or what kind of work their group entail to better understand how they play important role in the process and creation of significant public policies. Paramount in the discussion of think tanks’ work output from this source is one that falls under influencing /advocacy works. The article explains this further as “work done by communications, capacity development, networking, campaigns, lobbying etc. It is likely to be based on research based evidence emerging from independent research or consultancies.”

One example of think tank’s straightforward research and evidence based output will be the Center for Global Development whose primary objective is to reduce poverty in developing countries and through their recommendations they informed the practice and policies of developed countries. The Center for global development utilizes a commitment to Development Index ranking 27 of the world’s richest countries in terms of their dedication to policies that benefit people living in poorer countries. The following are the issues/ dimensions utilized for ranking these countries: aid, finance, technology, environment, trade, security, and migration. The development index showing one issue or dimension as “weak” will then become an opportunity for this think tank to influence and recommend policies for improvement of the country’s future policies they wish to influence. Meanwhile, maintaining or enhancing stronger areas. Thus, Finland is ranked number 1 because all the dimensions listed above are their strong areas vis—a-vis development policies addressed to poorer countries.

Another unique yet committed to influencing public development policies of countries (as well as enhancing a country’s refutation) is one proposed by independent policy advisor, Simon Anholt’s Good Country Index (GCI). Simon Anholt’s hope that countries or governments will always have to abide with the mandate of helping their own respective country while considering or factoring in on becoming a good neighbor too (its actions or policies in the global arena should come with deep reflections of its good implications). But there is more beneficial consequences of being a good neighbor as Anholt explained: “In the end, the reason you should be gooder is because people like good countries. Do good and you will earn a good reputation. You will get more trade. You will get more tourists. You will get more investment. Your people will get more highly-paid jobs more quickly. Everything will work better for you as a country, and so in a sense that discovery squares the circle, because it means the most competitive behavior is the most collaborative behavior.”

The above discussions are simply examples that public policies, whether domestic or internationally focused on enhancing foreign relations among nations do not just appear in thin air but a product of what think tanks or policy advisors do.

Good policies come from good policy makers who will listen to good policy advisors in the public policies process. But then good policies are susceptible to abrupt changes too specially with the departure of the incumbent.

References:

Center for Global Development at https://www.cgdev.org/commitment-development-index

McGann, James. Think Tanks and the Transnationalization of Foreign Policy. Foreign Policy Research Institute Quarterly Journal. March 2003. retrieved from   https://globalnetplatform.org/system/files/1/Think%20Tanks%20and%20the%20Transnationalization%20of%20Foreign%20Policy.pdf