Academic Pursuits and Involvement in Decision-Making: Study on the Formation of U.S. University Think Tanks

Qing Lyu (), Arlene Bielefield and Yan Quan Liu
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Qing Lyu: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
Arlene Bielefield: Department of Information and Library Science, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515, USA
Yan Quan Liu: Department of Information and Library Science, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515, USA

Administrative Sciences, 2023, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-22

Abstract: This paper analyzes the concept of think tanks and concludes that think tanks have three basic characteristics. Firstly, they are based on academic research, relatively independent operation, and aim to serve scientific decision-making. Taking Ivy League think tanks as an example, this paper provides a preliminary discussion of ways for think tanks to maintain the scientific nature of their research, maintain the independence of their operations, and disseminate research results to enhance their influence. It covers institutional mission, research team construction, institutional governance, fundraising, achievements and activities, and alumni networks. This paper proposes a framework of university think tank generation paths associated with the essential characteristics of think tanks. The paper points out that, as a research consulting organization grown out of universities, university think tanks must maintain the scientific nature and independence of research while providing support and services for decision-making. Only in this way can they truly serve scientific and democratic decision-making, gain the trust of the public and have a real lasting influence.

Keywords: American university affiliated think tank; decision-making; think tank operation mechanism; characteristics of think tank; the ivy league university (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L M M0 M1 M10 M11 M12 M14 M15 M16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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