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policies with external help. Moreover, most policies require interdisciplinary responses, and
there is a surplus of specialized think tanks. 82 Merging, acquisition, or collaboration of think
tanks is one possible way forward.
Despite the interdisciplinary nature of policy, the vast majority of the think tanks that have come
into existence in the last 30 years have been focused on a single issue or area of policy research.
More recently, think tanks have faced a new competitive threat from consulting firms, law firms,
advocacy groups, and cable news networks that now directly compete with think tanks for gifts,
grants, and contracts. Similarly, many colleges and universities are encouraging the growth of
policy and research centers, which further heighten competition for conventional think tanks. 83
IV. Influence and Independence: As think tanks become more visible and influential, some
organizations appear to be losing their voice and independence along the way. Managing the
tensions associated with relevance, influence, and independence is a delicate balancing act that
must be carefully finessed if think tanks are to maintain their credibility with policymakers and
the public. Of particular hindrance is the fact that think tanks seldom publish critiques or
objective studies on their own work. 84 Evaluating success and overall impact is another great
challenge for think tanks. Dr. Andrew Selee, Executive Vice President at the Wilson Center in
Washington D.C., notes that the evaluation of success through tracking outputs, such as data on
publications, media citations, and speeches, is an essential component to directing and focusing
research and policy initiatives. With collected evidence of outcomes, a think tank must look
specifically at the original goals and mission of the project and organization as a whole;
however, given the ever-shifting terrain of policymaking, it is crucial for think tanks to be nimble
and adapt to this changing landscape. 85 Thus, by consistently evaluating and reevaluating an
organization’s impact, scholars and leaders in the organization can develop an open dialogue
over the organizations’ successes and failures and better anticipate the shifting tides of
policymaking and advocacy.
V. Outputs vs. Impact: Historically, think tanks have placed a focus on output over impact.
How do think tanks measure their impact For many institutions, it is limited to the number of
books and policy briefs produced rather than providing the impetus for new legislation or
changes in policy. 86 This issue is further complicated by donors, who are increasingly interested
in supporting “high impact organizations” and want think tanks to demonstrate their impact on
public policy. “High impact” aims often result in high pressure environments in which scholars
feel that their success rests on the capacity to alter policy or seriously impact the policy-decision
making process. Dr. Andrew Selee of the Wilson Center argues that think tanks, like
82 "A Q&A With Dr. McGann on the 2012 Go To Report and Chinese Think Tanks," Think Tanks &
Civil Societies Program, 18 July 2013, accessed 6 January 2014, http://gotothinktank.com/a-qa-with-drmcgann-on-the-2012-go-to-report-and-chinese-think-tanks/
83 Chafuen, Alejandro. "Think Tanks In America: Occupying A Unique Space." Forbes. Forbes Magazine,
10 Apr. 2013. Web. 21 Oct. 2013.
84 Ibid
85 Andrew Selee, "Can Think Tanks Influence Public Opinion and Improve Policy" The World Financial
Review, 13 July 2013, accessed 15 July 2014, http://www.worldfinancialreview.com/p=696.
86 Chafuen, Alejandro. "15 Ways Of Measuring Think Tank Policy Outcomes." Forbes. Forbes Magazine,
24 Apr. 2013. Web. 21 Oct. 2013.
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