The think tank ecosystem in India stands at a critical juncture. Balancing independence, technological adaptation, and policy relevance will be crucial.

The journey toward realizing India’s vision of Amritkaal 2047 will be demanding, and the think tank ecosystem will play a crucial role.

The role of academic institutions is key to the development of any society. They help mould generations by training and equipping them to meet the various needs of an advancing society or by becoming agents of progress and development. These institutions are on a relentless quest to improve the quality of life for human beings.

The role of think tanks is akin to these institutions in the field of public policy and advocacy. They bring to the table their perspectives and reasoning for why and how public policies should be pursued to efficiently and effectively utilize public resources for optimal outcomes, while defining the appropriate role of the state. They differ from conventional academic institutions in their solution-oriented approach, which incorporates an advocacy element. By also expressing their views through informed channels, they subject their policy recommendations to rigorous stakeholder scrutiny, ensuring greater accountability.

Think tanks have emerged as critical knowledge powerhouses in India’s policy ecosystem, bridging academic research, governmental decision-making, and public discourse. These institutions are pivotal in analysing complex societal challenges, proposing innovative solutions, and providing strategic insights that shape national and regional policies. The Indian think tank space has grown tremendously since the beginning of the millennium. There are old and established players, while many new ones have emerged. India is a federal state, and the diversity and governance challenges demand a large pool of think tanks.

Think tanks help governments at any level understand the intricacies and complexities of policy debates in detail, as well as the nuances of various approaches. They enable the latter to focus on outcomes rather than intentions and subjective sentiments, which are often entangled. The key aspect is the expertise and objectivity that think tanks build on their areas of focus.

Staffing is a major challenge in the think tank ecosystem. There needs to be an institutional capacity to attract and retain talent. Since think tanks often cannot match the corporate salaries, they rely on professionals motivated by a passion for public policy and governance issues. Driven by a shared desire to create positive change for humanity, they work to shape public policy discourse. This shared purpose not only excites professionals but also sustains the think tank’s vitality.

In this context, the quality of higher education also matters for the vibrancy and merit of the workforce. Public policy is a relatively new area of study in India, but it has gained significant popularity among students. The faculty and universities must equip their students with the tools and methodologies to understand policy discussions and how the government functions.

Funding and financial operations in a think tank ecosystem are frequently scrutinised by its stakeholders. Concerns about funding sources and potential biases often overshadow the purpose and good work attempted by the think tanks. While corporate and business funding for the think tanks are an option, the objectivity in their rational positions and evidences they highlight in their communications must be examined. The characteristics of a think tank are nothing but the value systems and institutional mechanisms built by the people who have served there. With economic growth, one can expect more local funding and philanthropic support for think tanks.

India aspires to become a leading economic power and a key player in global affairs. The journey toward realizing the nation’s vision of Amritkaal 2047 will be demanding. Think tanks play a crucial role in shaping policies and monitoring the development agenda and economic progress of the world’s most populous country. India needs thousands of think tanks that can address issues ranging from local governance to international relations, each drawing on its own strengths and areas of expertise.

More effective decentralised governance will lead to the emergence of think tanks that look at local issues in a more comprehensive and dedicated manner. At the same time, perspectives on the regional development agenda and security issues vary across the country. This reiterates the need for think tanks from all parts of the country.

With the emergence of new forms of media, think tanks could be more effective in communicating with a larger audience through different forms and channels. The relevance of think tanks is defined by their strategic positioning. Their clear articulation and well-researched strategic recommendations require intellectual rigor. Successful institutions stay ahead by seamlessly integrating cutting-edge data and technological tools into their operations.

There needs to be an understanding and concerted efforts for collaboration and outcomes achieved among think tanks, akin to the collaboration between industry and academia that fostered groundbreaking innovations and significantly advanced human progress. Think tanks should focus on the outcomes of the policy reforms they suggest, rather than the credit they seek from their engagements with political leaders and decision-makers. Credibility is established steadily through consistency in their actions and words, a balanced temperament, and meaningful engagement.

The think tank ecosystem in India stands at a critical juncture. Balancing independence, technological adaptation, and policy relevance will be crucial. As India continues its trajectory as a global power, these knowledge institutions will play an increasingly significant role in shaping national and international discourse. Success will depend on creating a dynamic, resilient ecosystem that balances intellectual rigor with practical policy relevance.

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This article was originally published as a part of the compendium, “India Think Tank Forum 2025: Shaping a Resilient Global Order” by the Observer Research Foundation.

D Dhanuraj is the Founder-Chairman, and Nissy Solomon is an Hon. Trustee at the Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi, Kerala, India.

Views expressed by the authors are personal and need not reflect or represent the views of the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR).