The Future of Think Tanks and Policy Advice in the United States

Acknowledgement
Contents
List of Figures
Introduction and Background
	Thinking About the Future of Think Tanks: Catalysts for Ideas, Innovation, and Action
Literature Review
The Fifth Estate: Think Tanks, Policy Advice, and Governance in the United States
	References
Former President’s Historical Perspective
Building the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Think Tanks: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going
Looking Back at the Stimson Center’s Role in the Early Twenty-First Century
	Technology-Driven Shifts in the Think Tank Marketplace
	Expanding Global Agenda for International Security
	Partisanship’s Effects on Policy Research
	Changing Demographics in the Workplace
	References
Current Presidents
Achieving Inclusivity by Redefining the Think Tank Scholar
	Using Online Publications to Elevate Not Exclude
	Supporting Team Inclusivity by Virtual Flexibility
	Ditching Desk Research for a Participatory Action Approach
	Reimagining the Future Think Tank Scholar
	Reference
Think Tanks Breaching the Partisan and Geopolitical Divide
Reimagining the Think Tank Post COVID-19
The Challenges of Regulating Technology and the Role of Think Tanks in Informing Sound Tech Policy
	References
Think Tanks and the Enduring Value of Hard Questions
The Future of Think Tanks: The Impact of Technology on Society
Crowded, Chaotic, Contested: The New Geopolitical Order and Marketplace of Ideas
Fighting for Progress in the Age of Disruption
	References
International Development Cooperation into the Decade Ahead
	Introduction
	The International System and CGD’s Role
	Conclusion
	Reference
Think Tanks in the New Century
Bridging Policy Needs with Technology Solutions
America’s Think Tanks: Meeting the Challenges of Increasing Competition and New Technologies, and Maintaining Relevance in an Ever-Changing World
	The Impact of Technology
	New Competitors
	Increased Political Polarization
	Human Resource Challenges
	Funding
	The Value Add of Think Tanks
	Addendum: The Impact of COVID-19 on Think Tanks and Policy Advice
Reflections on the Future of Think Tanks, Drawing on Three Decades in Public Policy Research
Thought Leadership in Uncertain Times: Four Global Trends
	References
The Crisis of Liberalism and the Future of Think Tanks
	Threats to the Liberal Order and a Crisis of Institutions
	Addressing These Critical Threats
	The Landscape Going Forward
	References
The Future of Think Tanks: Trends and Transformations
Technology and Think Tanks: Survived the First Wave; Might not Survive the Second
Increasing Relevance, Diminishing Access Require Unchanging Values for a Changing Audience
Truth Decay: A Threat to Democracy and Think Tanks Alike
The Role of the Think Tank in Creating a More Equitable and Resilient Shared Future
	Reaching the Ever-Expanding Audience of a Modern “Think Tank”
	Recognizing the Emergence of New Change Agents
	Understanding What It Means to Be Inclusive
	Understanding the Risks and Possibilities of New Technology
	Harnessing Technology and Data for Better Evidence and Research
	Protecting Independence Fiercely
	Pairing Facts with Feelings Responsibly
	Once Again, Thinking About the Future
	References
The World—And the Workplace—Are Changing: Our Mission Stays the Same
	Reference
Conclusions
Are Think Tanks Fit for an Uncertain Future?
	New Business Models for Think Tanks
	A New Operational Context
	Management
	Strategic Communication
	Innovative Funding Strategies
	Big Data Analytics
	Conclusion
	References
Appendix
Author Biographies
Bibliography