Role of think tanks in powering policy

July 23, 2024

NEW DELHI – In the modern world, think tanks are the brains behind the brawn of national and global policy.” In the intricate world of policymaking, the influence of think tanks is undeniable. These private organizations provide crucial research and analysis on socio-economic, political, and strategic issues, shaping the policies that govern nations. In recent years, corporate giants in India, such as the Adani and Ambani groups, have ventured into this domain, further amplifying their role in national and international policy discourse.

The Adani Group’s decision to establish the Chintan Research Foundation is a testament to the growing involvement of private corporations in policy formulation. This new think tank aims to focus on critical areas such as energy transition, climate change, economics, trade, and geopolitics. With an initial funding of Rs 100 crore, the Chintan Research Foundation aspires to be an independent and globally respected institution. Similarly, Reliance Industries Limited has backed the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), one of India’s leading think tanks. Established in 1990, ORF has gained prominence through initiatives like the Raisina Dialogue, an annual geopolitical and geo-economic conference that attracts policymakers and scholars from around the world. ORF’s success demonstrates how corporatebacked think tanks can significantly impact policy-making and public opinion. Foreign policy, often perceived as the domain of government officials, is increasingly shaped by the research and recommendations of think tanks.

These organizations analyze global trends, assess risks, and propose strategies, thereby influencing the decisions made by governments. Think tanks such as the Rand