Think Tanks

• What are think tanks?


  A body of experts brought together to collectively focus on a certain topic(s): to investigate and offer solutions to often complicated and seemingly intractable economic, social or political issues.
• Think tanks are considered public policy research organisations
• What is the main role of think tanks?


  Carry out research and develop policy ideas that can then be adopted by political parties and governments.
• Think tanks are usually founded to research and develop ideas in specific areas, such as education, healthcare, social justice or economic matters. Think tanks are usually founded to research and develop ideas in specific areas, such as education, healthcare, social justice or economic matters.
• How are think tanks usually funded?

  By endowments from wealthy patrons or businesses. They may also be funded by public donations or be affiliated to an academic institution, such as a university.
• Example of a think tank that may produce research to support a particular point of view that may not be in the public interest 


  Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA)
• The IEA is a free-market think tank with close links to the Conservative Party
• The IEA is critical of government measures to reduce or restrict harmful activities, such as smoking bans, sugar taxes and restrictions on fast food advertising, and has also called for the NHS to be replaced by a private, insurance based system.
• Who is one of IEA’s main donors?

  British American Tobacco. This raises questions about whether or not the public policy research being carried out is in the interests of the public or of the donors.
• Example of a neutral think tank (international affairs)


  Chatham House
• Example of a ‘left wing’ think tank


  The Fabian society (issues concerning social justice and equality )
• Example of a ‘right wing’ think tank


  Adam Smith institute (promotes free market solutions to economic issues)