OTT Podcast

• Running a think tank in a changing Europe: The evolution of think tanks in Southeast Europe

  Every think tank has a unique journey—shaped by its context, mission, and the people driving its vision. But how do think tanks emerge and establish themselves in regions undergoing political and economic transitions? What role do they play in fostering evidence-based policymaking?In this episode, we speak with Simonida Kacarska, Director of the European Policy Institute (EPI) in North Macedonia. As a leading expert on European integration and governance, Simonida shares the story of EPI’s development and its impact on policymaking in her native Macedonia and the Western Balkans.We discuss the evolution of think tanks in the region, the challenges of funding and sustainability, and how young researchers are shaping policy debates. Simonida also reflects on the significance of the term ‘think tank’—a concept that does not always translate directly across languages and cultures.Join us as we explore the power of policy research, the resilience required to build a think tank, and the strategies that can strengthen the sector in a changing Europe.This episode is part of a series, Think tanks in a changing Europe, supported by the Open Society Foundations. To listen to the whole series, visit https://onthinktanks.org/podcast/To learn more about the European Policy Institute (EPI), please visit https://epi.org.mk------OTT Talks is a platform to share learning among think tanks, funders and other policy actors on a range of topics from think tank governance to communicating research. Learn more: https://onthinktanks.org/podcast/ ----About On Think Tanks: On Think Tanks focuses on a range of issues of relevance and interest to think tanks as well as their staff and supporters. We hope that our initiatives and the articles and resources we publish will support think tanks to be more strategic in the ways they make short and long-term decisions; and that this will result in better policy advice and policy outcomes for all. Read more: https://onthinktanks.org/initiative/evidence-generation-and-communication/on-think-tanks-programme/ Support us: https://onthinktanks.org/support/

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• Title: Running a think tank in a changing Europe: Navigating uncertain times in the European Union

  In times of fundamental change, recognising the moment and acting accordingly is crucial. But how can think tanks remain resilient in an increasingly challenging environment? How can they collaborate to navigate uncertainty and strengthen their collective impact?In this episode, we speak with Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist at the European Policy Centre (EPC). With over 15 years at EPC, Fabian has closely observed and shaped the evolution of think tanks in Brussels and across Europe. He reflects on the pressures facing policy research today, the funding challenges that come with political shifts, and the strategic decisions required to ensure long-term influence.As Europe undergoes profound transformations, Fabian makes the case for greater cooperation between think tanks, arguing that the sector must work together to remain effective and relevant. He also shares his insights on leadership, independence, and the future of policy advice in a rapidly shifting landscape.Join us as we explore the role of think tanks in these turbulent times—and what it takes to lead one successfully.This episode is part of a series, Think tanks in a changing Europe, supported by the Open Society Foundations. To listen to the whole series, visit: https://onthinktanks.org/podcast/ To know more about the European Policy Center (EPC) please visit: https://epc.eu/en/ ------OTT Talks is a platform to share learning among think tanks, funders and other policy actors on a range of topics from think tank governance to communicating research. Learn more: https://onthinktanks.org/podcast/ ----About On Think Tanks: On Think Tanks focuses on a range of issues of relevance and interest to think tanks as well as their staff and supporters. We hope that our initiatives and the articles and resources we publish will support think tanks to be more strategic in the ways they make short and long-term decisions; and that this will result in better policy advice and policy outcomes for all. Read more: https://onthinktanks.org/initiative/evidence-generation-and-communication/on-think-tanks-programme/ Support us: https://onthinktanks.org/support/

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• Running a think tank in a changing Europe: Navigating uncertain times in Poland

  In a rapidly shifting political landscape, how can think tanks continue to provide independent, evidence-based policy advice? What happens when international funding declines, domestic support remains uncertain, and democratic pressures intensify?In this episode, we speak with Karolina Wigura, co-founder and board member of Kultura Liberalna, one of Poland’s leading think tanks. Drawing from over a decade of leadership, she reflects on the major transformations in the think tank ecosystem, the challenges of sustaining independent research, and the role of liberal thought in a country often associated with conservatism.Karolina describes the origins of Kultura Liberalna: a tradition of “home seminars” which promote intellectual reflection and inter-generational progress. This origin is shared with the oldest think tank in existence (the Royal Society of Arts) and the earliest Latin American think tanks (Societies of Patriots set up at the end of the 1700s, before the independent process). Join us as we explore the strategic choices, successes, and hard lessons from running a think tank in a changing Europe—unpacking what the future holds for these vital institutions.This episode is part of a series, Think tanks in a changing Europe, supported by the Open Society Foundations. To listen to the whole series, visit: https://onthinktanks.org/podcast/ To know more about Kultura Liberalna and the information discussed during this podcast, please visit: https://kulturaliberalna.pl/2018/02/27/kuisz-wigura-wywiad-jerzy-jedlicki/ ------OTT Talks is a platform to share learning among think tanks, funders and other policy actors on a range of topics from think tank governance to communicating research. Learn more: https://onthinktanks.org/podcast/ ----About On Think Tanks: On Think Tanks focuses on a range of issues of relevance and interest to think tanks as well as their staff and supporters. We hope that our initiatives and the articles and resources we publish will support think tanks to be more strategic in the ways they make short and long-term decisions; and that this will result in better policy advice and policy outcomes for all. Read more: https://onthinktanks.org/initiative/evidence-generation-and-communication/on-think-tanks-programme/ Support us: https://onthinktanks.org/support/

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• Running a think tank in a changing Europe: Lessons from the South and East of Europe

  How have think tanks in Southern and Eastern Europe adapted to shifting political landscapes, evolving funding models, and growing challenges to policy influence? In this episode, Vessela Tcherneva, Deputy Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), talks about the transformation of think tanks in the region over the past decade. From navigating political uncertainty to sustaining independent research, Vessela shares key insights from her leadership experience. She also talks about broader European trends in thinktanking, somewhat more diverse than in the continent's south and east. Through this conversation, we have the opportunity to explore the personal side of running a think tank—what keeps leaders motivated, the toughest challenges they face, and what the future holds for policy institutions in an era of disruption. This episode is part of a series, Think tanks in a changing Europe, supported by the Open Society Foundations. To listen to the whole series, visit: https://onthinktanks.org/podcast/  ------------------------------------ OTT Talks is a platform to share learning among think tanks, funders and other policy actors on a range of topics from think tank governance to communicating research. Learn more: https://onthinktanks.org/podcast/  ------------------------------------- About OTT:  OTT is a global consultancy and platform for change. We support and strengthen the work of research organisations, foundations, governments and non-governmental organisations in support of better-informed decision-making. Through our consultancy work, we develop tailored solutions to specific challenges. With services spanning research, learning facilitation, strategy and evaluation, we partner with organisations to drive evidence-informed change.  Through On Think Tanks, we build, nurture and support a global community of people working in, with, and funding think tanks. On Think Tanks is a space to connect, learn and exchange knowledge, ideas and resources. Read more: https://onthinktanks.org ------------------------------------- About On Think Tanks: On Think Tanks focuses on a range of issues of relevance and interest to think tanks as well as their staff and supporters. We hope that our initiatives and the articles and resources we publish will support think tanks to be more strategic in the ways they make short and long-term decisions; and that this will result in better policy advice and policy outcomes for all. Read more: https://onthinktanks.org/initiative/evidence-generation-and-communication/on-think-tanks-programme/ Support us: https://onthinktanks.org/support

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• Running a think tank in a changing Europe: Adapting to new realities in Hungary

  In a region where democracy faces growing challenges and international funding is diminishing, how can think tanks remain independent, impactful, and relevant? In this episode, Péter Krekó, Director of the Political Capital Institute in Hungary, shares insights into the evolving role of think tanks in Central and Eastern Europe. We discuss how think tank leaders navigate shrinking donor support, increasing political pressures, and the inconsistent demand for evidence-based policy advice. Join us as we uncover the strategic decisions, successes, and challenges of running a think tank in a changing Europe, and explore the critical role these institutions play in shaping policy in uncertain times. This episode is part of a series, Think tanks in a changing Europe, supported by the Open Society Foundations. To listen to the whole series, visit: https://onthinktanks.org/podcast/  ------------------------------------ OTT Talks is a platform to share learning among think tanks, funders and other policy actors on a range of topics from think tank governance to communicating research. Learn more: https://onthinktanks.org/podcast/  ------------------------------------- About OTT:  OTT is a global consultancy and platform for change. We support and strengthen the work of research organisations, foundations, governments and non-governmental organisations in support of better-informed decision-making. Through our consultancy work, we develop tailored solutions to specific challenges. With services spanning research, learning facilitation, strategy and evaluation, we partner with organisations to drive evidence-informed change.  Through On Think Tanks, we build, nurture and support a global community of people working in, with, and funding think tanks. On Think Tanks is a space to connect, learn and exchange knowledge, ideas and resources. Read more: https://onthinktanks.org ------------------------------------- About On Think Tanks: On Think Tanks focuses on a range of issues of relevance and interest to think tanks as well as their staff and supporters. We hope that our initiatives and the articles and resources we publish will support think tanks to be more strategic in the ways they make short and long-term decisions; and that this will result in better policy advice and policy outcomes for all. Read more: https://onthinktanks.org/initiative/evidence-generation-and-communication/on-think-tanks-programme/ Support us: https://onthinktanks.org/support

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