Knowra Think tank Think tank A think tank is an organization that researches public issues and develops ideas or recommendations for decision-makers. It may be independent, university-affiliated, government-funded, or linked to political interests.
Policy analysis : Policy analysis compares possible courses of public action by examining their goals, effects, costs, and feasibility. It is the core method think tanks use to assess problems and formulate recommendations.
Fabian Society : The Fabian Society is a British socialist organization founded in 1884 that promotes gradual, evidence-informed social reform. Its research and policy influence prefigure some functions associated with modern think tanks.
Robert S. Brookings : Robert S. Brookings was an American businessman and philanthropist who founded institutions that became the Brookings Institution. His institutional vision helped establish a durable U.S. center for policy research.
Advocacy group : An advocacy group organizes to influence policy or public opinion on behalf of a cause or constituency. Advocacy groups primarily mobilize support, while think tanks are defined by producing research and policy ideas.
Policy entrepreneurship : Policy entrepreneurship is the effort to promote a proposal by linking it to a recognized problem and a favorable political moment. Think tanks can keep proposals available until changing conditions make policymakers receptive.
Policy brief : A policy brief is a concise document that summarizes an issue and presents evidence-based options or recommendations. Think tanks often use briefs to make research legible to officials and advocates.
Brookings Institution : The Brookings Institution is a U.S. research organization founded in 1916 that studies public policy and governance. Brookings helped establish the model of a permanent, professionally staffed policy research institution.
Franklin D. Roosevelt : Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd president of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945. His administration drew on policy experts in the 1932–33 transition group known as the Brains Trust.
Lobbying : Lobbying is direct communication with public officials intended to influence legislation, regulation, or government decisions. Think tanks may influence policy indirectly through analysis, whereas lobbying directly seeks official action.
Revolving door : The revolving door is the movement of people between government positions and private-sector or advocacy roles. Staff exchanges can give think tanks access to policy expertise while raising questions about influence.
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