Our Mission
The Think Tank Lab is a platform, learning space, and driver for innovative and impact-oriented think tank work. Founded in 2021, the Think Tank Lab supports the co-creative advancement of the German think tank sector by:
- Strengthening peer learning, co-creation and exchange in and among think tanks;
- Qualifying think tank personnel through tailor-made training opportunities; and
- Crowdsourcing, testing, and disseminating good practices and new approaches to think tank work.
While our activities are primarily aimed at think tanks and policy-oriented research institutes based in Germany, we also promote exchange with the wider European and international think tank community.
How We Work
We see the Think Tank Lab as a place of engagement, learning, and community. Our approach is co-creative. We listen, bring people together, and design processes that allow everyone to contribute their experience and expertise in a trustful and friendly environment. We offer opportunities to learn and grow – and for you to share what you know with others. We provide space to explore and experiment with new approaches to think tanking. This allows us to see what works, adapt, and advance our practices.
How To Get Involved
For our activities, we usually partner with other organizations. Please get in touch via hello@thinktanklab.org if you would like to propose a topic or collaborate with us.
If you wish to receive invitations to future events and information about our activities, please join our mailing list. For that purpose, your contact details will be shared with our cooperation partner MERICS and stored according to data protection laws.
Activities
Events
Past events
European Think Tank Conference 2023
Generative AI in Think Tanks – Risks and Opportunities
Building Dialogues for Policy Change: Lessons for Think Tank Communicators
Diversity and Inclusion in the UK Think Tank Sector
Narrative Change for Think Tank Communicators
Think Tank Lab Toolbox Launch
Publications
You can find more publications in our Think Tank Toolbox (see activities).
Partners
The Think Tank Lab is a joint initiative of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) and the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS). It is kindly supported by the Stiftung Mercator and the Robert Bosch Stiftung.