Think Tanks

This page provides links to think tanks, which are non-profit organizations that provide analysis and research intended to influence public policy.

It is often difficult to discern a think tank's political orientation. I've shared some information about the organizations' ideologies in the annotations on this page. You'll also find a more complete listing on page 542 of M. Ahmad's article "US Think Tanks and the Politics of Expertise: Role, Value and Impact", which appears in volume 79(4) of Political Quarterly.

Harvard University offers a customized feature that enables users to search almost 700 think tanks (see link below). You can also search Google Scholar. However, if you only search Google Scholar you are very likely to miss some good think tank reports and journal articles. I've created a custom Google search that limits your search to only MA think tanks and policy centers.

Think Tank Search - Harvard Kennedy School Library
enables users to search approximately 700 think tanks and research centers.
MA Think Tanks - Custom Search
searches the sites listed below as well as the Rappaport Institution, UMassD's Center for Public Policy, and Northeastern's Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy.

Massachusetts Think Tanks/Policy Centers

Beacon Hill Insitute
is affiliated with the Department of Economics at Suffolk University. It is recognized as promoting the "principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility and free markets.”
Center for Public Policy, UMass Boston
aims to inform "public policy decisions to improve human service practices that most directly affect the lives of low-income families."
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center
is generally viewed as a left-leaning organization concerned with how the Massachusetts budget affects low to moderate income residents.
MassInc
is self described as an “independent, nonpartisan research and educational institute.” They publish a wealth of information about Massachusetts politics and political issues.
Pioneer Institute
is a Massachusetts think tank that claims to be “committed to individual freedom and responsibility, limited and accountable government, and the application of free market principles to state and local policy."

National Think Tanks

Brookings Institution
The Brookings Institution is one of the most cited think tanks. Often considered centrist, Brookings has been referred to as both a liberal and conservative organization by major media outlets.
Cato Institue
The Cato Institute states that it is "dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace." Cato advocates a libertarian ideology.
Center for Budget & Policy Priorities (CBPP)
Most media outlets consider CBPP to be a liberal/progressive think tank. "The Center conducts research and analysis to help shape public debates over proposed budget and tax policies and to help ensure that policymakers consider the needs of low-income families and individuals in these debates."
National Bureau of Economic Research
is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, and business professionals.
Rand Corporation
Unlike many think tanks, Rand aims to be non-ideological. Its mission is "to help policymakers make decisions that are based on the best available information."

PSC 400 - State and Local Policy Analysis: Think Tanks

Think Tanks

Massachusetts Think Tanks/Policy Centers

National Think Tanks