Ahead of the On Think Tanks conference this week, Natalia Forrest reflects on why think tanks should measure their policy impact and outlines how the Overton app can help with this.
In today's political climate, think tanks play an increasingly important role in shaping public policy. By providing research and analysis, think tanks can help policymakers make informed decisions that benefit society. However, in order to be effective, think tanks need to be able to measure their impact on policy.
There are a number of ways to start measuring policy impact in combination with more qualitative, human analysis. One common approach is to track the number of times a think tank's research is cited in policy documents. Another approach is to track the number of times a think tank's staff members are invited to testify before legislative committees or to advise policymakers. Still another approach is to track the number of times a think tank's research is used to support the implementation of new policies.
Measuring policy impact can be challenging, but it is essential for think tanks that want to be effective in shaping public policy. By tracking their impact, think tanks can identify what's working and what's not, and they can make adjustments to their research and advocacy strategies accordingly.
One tool that can be helpful for measuring policy impact is the Overton database - a searchable index of policy documents from around the world. The database includes information on the source of each document, the date it was published, and the policy issues it addresses. Overton also includes links to other documents that cite or reference each document.
By using our app, think tanks can track the number of times their research is cited in policy documents. They can also track the number of times their staff members are invited to testify before legislative committees or to advise policymakers. In addition, think tanks can track the number of times their research is used to support the implementation of new policies.
Measuring policy impact is an important part of being an effective think tank. By tracking their impact, think tanks can identify what is working and what is not, and they can make adjustments to their research and advocacy strategies accordingly.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, measuring policy impact can also help think tanks:
Overall, measuring policy impact is an essential part of being an effective think tank. By tracking their impact, think tanks can ensure that they are making a difference in the world.
Here are some additional tips for measuring policy impact:
Measuring policy impact can be a challenging but rewarding undertaking. By following these tips, you can make the process easier and more effective.