When asked, “What is a think tank?” it is worth noting that it is a public or private organization built around a core group of researchers, whose mission is to develop, on an objective basis, ideas regarding the implementation of private or public policies and strategies that serve the public interest. In other words, a think tank is a public or private research group that produces studies on social issues for the benefit of decision-makers.
The Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania conducts research on the role of public policy research organizations and civil society through its program called Think Tanks and Civil Societies (TTCSP).
Over the past 26 years, the TTCSP has developed and led a series of global initiatives that have helped bridge the gap between knowledge and policy in many areas, including: international peace and security, globalization and governance, the international economy, the environment, poverty reduction, healthcare, and global health, among others.
With the help of a network of over 1,900 partner institutions, media and academic experts, public and private donors, and institutions and governments worldwide; the TTCSP works to produce the “Annual Global Go To Think Tank Index,” which ranks the world’s top think tanks.
Since 2012, CIRES has held the 28th position in this annual ranking for four (4) consecutive years. The center has since equipped itself with the means to promote scientific research and serve as a hub for fruitful dialogue in the service of development. This, among other factors, has enabled it to climb significantly in the rankings, moving from 16th place in 2016, to 15th in 2017, to 13th in 2018, and then, to 12th place in 2020 in the most recent ranking of the top 94 think tanks in sub-Saharan Africa.