The Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) has been ranked as Ireland’s leading think tank by the Global Go To Think Tank Index. The 2015 Index was launched on 27 January 2016 in the World Bank in Washington D.C. It ranks the IIEA as the 37th best think tank in Western Europe, three places higher than in the 2014 report.
The Index, which has been described as “the insider’s guide to the global marketplace of ideas”, is compiled by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program at the University of Pennsylvania, based on input from over 4700 academics, journalists, policymakers, scholars and executives. It is now in its ninth year. Its aim is to improve the capacity and performance of think tanks around the world as they play a key role in bridging the gap between academic research and policy.
Welcoming the publication of the Index, IIEA Director General, Tom Arnold, said that think tanks have an important role in providing a forum for debate between politicians, policymakers, business, civil society and citizens. “The IIEA’s ranking as Ireland’s leading think tank is a recognition of the quality and relevance of our work. Our aim is to contribute to political and policy debate on the main strategic choices facing Ireland. Our current key priorities include examining the implications of a possible Brexit for Ireland, North and South: European policy options in the face of global economic uncertainty, migration and security challenges: and the major policy choices arising from the decisions in COP 21 last December on climate change in terms of energy, transport, agriculture and sustainable cities.
The IIEA aims to further increase its policy relevance – and it’s ranking in the Global Think Tank Index – and is committed to expanding its operations over the next three years. In so doing we will deepen our engagement with the public sector, the business community, leading civil society groups and our members.”
The Brookings Institution (USA) was named the top think tank in the world, with Chatham House (UK) ranking second worldwide and first in Western Europe. The full 2015 global think tank index report is attached in addition to the list of the top think tanks in Western Europe. Further Information: The methodology for the ranking was based on peer and expert input and included criteria such as:
- The quality and commitment of the think tank’s leadership and staff;
- The quality and reputation of the research and analysis produced;
- Reputation with policymakers;
- Ability to convene key policy actors and develop effective networks and partnerships with other think tanks and policy actors;
- Website and digital presence;
- Its impact on society.
The Institute of International and European Affairs is Ireland’s leading independent think tank and policy research institute. It acts as a forum, bringing together stakeholders to discuss issues of national, European and international significance.
For details of all upcoming IIEA events, please visit www.iiea.com. To subscribe to the IIEA’s bulletin of upcoming events, contact reception@historyiiea.com.
For Press Enquiries, please contact Fionnuala Keane by email: fionnuala.keane@historyiiea.com or by telephone: 01 8746756.
