On Think Tanks

How can think tanks, funders, and policymakers strengthen their impact? For over 15 years, OTT has worked across the evidence-informed policy ecosystem—supporting organisations to navigate challenges, build resilience, and enhance their influence. Through strategy, research, capacity building, and collaboration, we help shape stronger, more sustainable initiatives. Explore how we work and connect with our team to learn more. onthinktanks.org | Enrique Mendizabal #EvidenceForPolicy #ThinkTanks #PolicyImpact #StrategicSupport

Shaping #EducationPolicy: Key #EvidenceUse Insights from OT Curious about how evidence is shaping the future of #EducationPolicy? Dive into these insightful reads from OTT, covering everything from policy labs to Brazil’s education reforms, and the challenges of addressing 'thorny issues' in the evidence field. 📚 Review: Policy Labs and Evidence Use in Education — Emily Hayter, Marcela Morales Hidalgo: https://lnkd.in/eVrPtEcp ✏️ In Conversation with Vinicius Campos: The Use of Evidence in the Parana State Department of Education in Brazil: https://lnkd.in/esVek4Uy ⚡ Are We Ready to Welcome ‘Thorny Issues’ in the Evidence-Informed Policy Field? — Enrique Mendizabal, Vanesa Weyrauch: https://lnkd.in/dxgaPtrq 🏫 What Factors Influence Effective Evidence Use in Teacher Training Institutions? — Ivana Zacarias: https://lnkd.in/eVrMgFCd Learn more about OTT’s work in evidence-use for education policy, and get in touch: https://lnkd.in/dhqGvABK #EvidenceUse #Education #PolicyLabs #TopReads #PolicyReads #EducationReform #PolicyImpact #EdPolicy #EvidenceBasedPolicy #ThinkTanks

How can think tanks cut through the noise and drive real policy change? In a world of competing interests, corporate lobbying, and fast-moving public demands, think tanks must be strategic to make an impact. Join Damien King, Executive Director of the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CAPRI), at the #OTTConference as he shares a structured approach to navigating influence and shaping policy effectively. 📍 #Johannesburg, South Africa 🗓️ 16-18 June 2025 🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/dU59jXbf #OTTConference2025 #ThinkTanks #PublicPolicy #SouthAfrica #PolicyImpact #EvidenceMatters

Over the past months, I have often been asked about OTT Consulting / On Think Tanks scope of work. Almost 15 years ago, we started with a blog and then launched the On Think Tanks program (10 years ago) with the initial support of a long-term partner- the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation (still our partner). We have evolved a lot from there. Today, we work across the whole ecosystem of evidence-informed policy, connecting, strengthening, and supporting think tanks and funders to achieve their goals and impact by supporting strategy, planning, sustainability, operations, capacity building and MEL. 👇 Look at who we are today and how we can work together to support and champion evidence-informed change. Enrique Mendizabal

A preview for my network ... 🚀 New Advisory Programme for Think Tank Leaders 🚀 Leading a think tank is an incredible privilege — but also a complex challenge. Balancing research excellence, financial sustainability, policy influence, and team leadership is no small task, especially in shifting political and funding landscapes. On Think Tanks is launching a one-on-one advisory programme designed to help think tank leaders navigate these challenges with expert support, strategic guidance, and access to a global network. 🔹 Who is this for? ✔️ Current think tank leaders—Executive Directors, Directors of Research, Operations, Communications, Partnerships, and Board Members. ✔️ Emerging leaders—those preparing for leadership roles or developing strategic areas of their organisation. 📌 What will you gain? ✅ Lessons from experience – Insights from think tanks worldwide, with real-world case studies. ✅ Strategic guidance – Support on governance, funding, policy influence, internationalisation, business models, partnerships, and more. ✅ Expert connections – Introductions to people who have tackled similar challenges. ✅ Policy influence advice – Understanding what works in engaging policymakers and funders. ✅ Ongoing support – Tailored, actionable advice through monthly/bi-monthly sessions, curated resources, and exclusive networking. 💡 Why join? 🎯 Practical, tailored support – This is not generic coaching; it’s hands-on, problem-solving advice tailored to your needs. 🌍 Exclusive benefits – Includes a private briefing of the On Think Tanks State of the Sector Report, a guaranteed spot at the OTT Conference, a 10% discount for the School for Thinktankers, and access to OTT’s Alumni LinkedIn group. 🛠 Designed for impact – Sessions are packed with actionable insights, ensuring you leave with solutions, not just discussions - unless you need that. 📅 Programme length: 6-12 months, structured around your needs. This is not executive coaching or mentoring—it’s a practical advisory programme to help inform your decisions. 👉 Interested? Let’s talk! Contact us to explore how this programme can support you and your think tank: https://lnkd.in/esHUqicN #ThinkTanks #Leadership #Advisory #Policy #StrategicGuidance #ThinkTankLeadership #OnThinkTanks #OTT

How can think tanks stay ahead in times of crisis? In this #OTTTalks episode, Deputy Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, Vessela Tcherneva, shares insights on why policymakers turn to think tanks during uncertainty—and how staying agile and forward-looking is key to making an impact. 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gzuhu5bh This episode is part of our series on think tanks in a changing #Europe, supported by the Open Society Foundations. #Podcast #ThinkTanks #PolicyImpact #ForeignPolicy Enrique Mendizabal Goran Buldioski

🤝 ¿Quieres que tu think tank se conecte con financiadores, colaboradores y aliados estratégicos? 🔍 ➡️ ¡El Open Think Tank Directory, de On Think Tanks, puede ser tu puerta de entrada! Actualmente reúne a más de 3,800 think tanks y en los últimos tres meses ha tenido más de 16,000 visitas de usuarios en más de 70 países. 🌍 ✍️Regístrate y aprovecha la oportunidad de unirte a esta red global. 👇 🔗 https://bit.ly/4jgjmxN #ThinkTanks #ColaboraciónGlobal #Oportunidades

[Español] [english below] En las últimas semanas he estado buscando vacantes en el sector del desarrollo internacional e impacto social. Me alegro de decir que he encontrado algunas 🫂 👊 y me gustaría compartirlas por aquí porque creo que en los tiempos complicados que corren en este sector nos podemos ayudar entre todas y hacer comunidad 🌎 Así que aquí van 24 vacantes en el sector del desarrollo e impacto social que van desde internships, hasta mid-level, fellowships y consultorías. [English] Over the last few weeks I have been looking for positions in the international development and social impact sector. I am happy to say that I have found some 🫂 👊 and I would like to share them as believe that in these dark times we can all help each other and build community 🌎 So here are 24 vacancies in the development and social impact sector ranging from internships, to mid-level, fellowships and consultancies. And a little bit of comedy to keep the spirits up #iykyk https://lnkd.in/gE2k5ykr 🌍 Equal Measures 2030 2025 Storytelling with Data Fellowship https://lnkd.in/gatZUzA6 🇨🇦 Innovate BC Program Manager, Ecosystem + Partnerships https://lnkd.in/gm8czfKr 🇺🇸 Freedom Together Foundation Program Officer - Democracy, Gender, & Racial Justice https://lnkd.in/gYpYANFF 🇬🇧 Battersea Grants & Programmes Associate https://lnkd.in/g_Qang44 🇫🇷 OECD - OCDE Internship Programme 2024/2025 https://lnkd.in/gnjCxgQJ 🌍 Civitates - The European Democracy Fund Impact and Learning Manager - Civitates - https://lnkd.in/gkxDDa8J 🌍 Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN) DAWN Fellowship for Young Women Feminists from the Global South - https://lnkd.in/ghWuy_cd 🇨🇭 UN Watch Morris B. Abram Fellowship for 2025-2026 https://lnkd.in/ggxzm5tH 🇦🇺 Siddle Family Foundation Senior Project Manager - Growth Initiative https://lnkd.in/gB6M6g3Q 🇺🇸 The World Bank Group IFC Global Internship Program(30)- Development Impact Measurement - MAS Internship https://lnkd.in/gW4JsqEF 🇺🇸 Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo Research Fellow Program for the Office of Evaluation and Oversight https://lnkd.in/gGpxQZrS (El resto en los comentarios 😉/ more on the comments section)

New insights on evidence, policy, and communications 📖 Read the latest blogs from OTT: Do evaluations really inform policy? by Enrique Mendizabal: https://lnkd.in/dRzfC6ep Think tanks & political challenges in South Korea, by Anna W. Choi: https://lnkd.in/dJMmv5-w Branding as a tool for think tanks, by Dr. Annapoorna Ravichander: https://lnkd.in/dS85uhGH Connecting evidence & education policy, by Racheal Makokha: https://lnkd.in/emBz_m-m Rethinking evidence use & scaling, by Enrique Mendizabal: https://lnkd.in/d2dKcsvE Why researchers need comms teams early, by Gabriela Keseberg Dávalos: https://lnkd.in/d3-fYQEC Stay ahead of the curve—dive into these insights and join the conversation on how to strengthen evidence-informed decision-making: https://lnkd.in/dDmRRxKD #ThinkTanks #EvidenceMatters #EIP #ThinkTankResources #Evidence

The school has revitalised my spirit, inspiring many colleagues to reach out for more information. This newsletter holds the key details you need. You have a year to prepare, but I strongly encourage you to seize this opportunity. Embrace it and let us know if you're interested: https://lnkd.in/dvtjGadF #ThinkTankLeadership #PolicyImpact #SchoolForThinktankers #OTTNewsletter On Think Tanks