Tag: think tank

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the capital of the European Union, both of which are going through severe crises. Foreign EU citizens represent a fifth of Brussels' population and an increasingly large segment of its economy. Yet they are almost absent from its political life. Can this multicultural city be a model of coexistence and integration, asks Alain Deneef, founder of the think-tank Aula Magna.

The proliferation, global expansion, and networking of think-tanks has boosted their potential to develop solutions to today's global public policy issues, according a major study published last month by the University of Pennsylvania.

The European Commission sees think-tanks as interest representatives and thus expects them to sign up to its voluntary lobbyists register, Administration and Anti-Fraud Commissioner Siim Kallas announced last week, responding to claims by a leading Brussels think-tank that it had "no intention of signing up as lobbyists".

The number of think-tanks in Europe has more than quadrupled in recent years, and they have become more active and inventive at disseminating policy solutions to decision-makers. But they are at risk of turning into lobbyists as they face issues related to funding, autonomy and innovation.

Globalisation is leading to worldwide growth in the number of think tanks, but such institutions must maintain their relevance by displaying a "flair for publicity" and a "streak of eccentricity" if they are to ensure they continue to engage policymakers, the press and the public.

Pro-liberalisation think-tank the Globalisation Institute has launched a Brussels centre of operations. According to Alex Singleton, founder and president, it aims "to research, develop and promote practical policy options that increase competitiveness and replace harmful regulation".