Refers to organizations that conduct research, analysis, and advocacy on public policy issues, often with the goal of influencing decisions in government, industry, and education. Most think tanks are non-governmental organizations, but some are semi-autonomous agencies within a government, and some are associated with particular political parties, businesses, or the military. Think tanks are often funded by individual donations, with many also accepting government grants.

Within the learn-and-work ecosystem, think tanks play an influential role in shaping debates on workforce development, higher education reform, credentialing, and economic mobility.

Think tanks vary in ideological orientation, funding structures, and research rigor. Their credibility and impact are frequently assessed against established quality measures.  For example, a 2025 American Enterprise Institute (AEI) study, which asked leading AI models to evaluate think tanks, identified 12 dimensions that can also be used to evaluate think tanks by their:

• Institutional Character
  • Independence from Funders or Political Influence
  • Moral Integrity
  • Purity of Motive
• Public Engagement
  • Clarity and Accessibility of Communication
  • Ideological Diversity
  • Policy and Public Debate Influence
• Research Integrity
  • Accuracy and Reliability of Past Claims
  • Methodological Rigor
  • Objectivity
  • Research Quality
  • Staff Expertise
  • Transparency and Openness

Examples from the AEI study which evaluated nearly 30 think tanks:

• Brookings Institution — generally considered centrist or center-left, known for broad policy research.
• Heritage Foundation — generally recognized as conservative/right-leaning, with strong influence on U.S. policymaking.
• New America — typically described as center-left, focusing on innovation and equity in education, work, and technology.