Think Tank and University Relationships: Finding the Synergies Dr. Ifediora C. Amobi Executive Director African Heritage Institution Enugu, NIGERIA Wednesday, 21 st May, 2014

21 May 2014 Outline Introduction An Assessment of the Knowledge Landscape and Knowledge Value Chain How Think Tanks and Universities Fit as Knowledge Actors in the Knowledge Landscape How they Interact and Respond to the Knowledge Landscape and Value Chain – The Role of Think Tanks Finding the Synergies 2

21 May An Assessment of the Knowledge Landscape

21 May Outputs and Deliverables – Research 4

21 May 2014 The Knowledge Value Chain 5 Acquire DATA Acquire DATA Process INFORMATION Process INFORMATION Analyze KNOWLEDGE Communicate INTELLIGENCE Apply DECISION Formulate ACTION Implement VALUE

21 May 2014 Role of University Research Institutions versus Think Tanks 6 “Think tanks strengthen democratic governance by raising new issues, voicing alternative viewpoints, and expanding policy options; they also acquire policy relevance when they engage in advocacy” – Center for International Private Enterprise, 2012 “University research centers expand human knowledge and make the benefits of such an expansion of knowledge available to society, while contributing significantly in advancing education in research, and developing new relationships with industry” – Johns Hopkins University, 1998 Knowledge Actors

21 May 2014 Role of Think Tanks Promote a place where ideas can be developed freely and independently Raise awareness of important issues Provide alternative policy solutions, supported by evidence Inform and educate policymakers, the public, business and civil society Encourage public debate and facilitate exchange of ideas Monitor and evaluate effects of policies and government programmes Lend their expertise and leadership to strengthen and mobilize civil society 7

21 May 2014 Finding the Synergies 8 Cost-effective sharing – infrastructure, facilities, technology Think tank sustainability – financial Quality of research output and public discourse Deep policy linkages and sustained advocacy Universities become more visible – researchers have faculty responsibilities Policy leaders now seek positions in prominent think tanks and universities both during and after their tenure in office Interaction – strengths sharing (e.g. policy /Economics versus sciences / technology)

21 May 2014 Challenges and Drawbacks 9 Independence Contrary research findings Ideology – mainstream? Decision makers Donor funding Non-student facing full-time researchers Knowledge transfer: the problem of translating university- centered basic research into new industrial products and processes quickly and efficiently

21 May 2014 Emerging / Future Areas of Synergy 10 Corporate policy research Collaboration between other knowledge actors Role of technology