German Think Tanks Face Urgent Challenges to Stay Relevant
German think tanks, often referred to as German tanks, face numerous challenges to remain relevant and effective in today's rapidly changing world. From fostering innovation to engaging with society, these institutions must adapt to stay ahead of the curve.
One key issue is the lack of systematic staff training, which is crucial in an industry that deals in cutting-edge ideas. Additionally, there are few spaces for professional reflection and knowledge exchange, leading to missed opportunities for cooperation. Think tanks must transform into learning organizations to stay ahead.
The question of social impact has also reached German think tanks, though later than their counterparts in the Anglo-Saxon world. There's no consensus yet on what the desired impact could be. Moreover, the attitudes of foreign policy experts often differ from the general public, which could erode trust if not addressed.
Diversity is another pressing concern. German think tanks lack diversity in their workforce and conference panels, which can lead to 'groupthink' and confirmation bias. The Think Tank Lab initiative has proposed targeted diversity measures to address this, including an intersectional approach that integrates multiple identity aspects into daily structures and decisions.
The challenges think tanks face are immense and won't be addressed overnight. However, acknowledging these issues and considering ways to tackle them together is a crucial first step. Generation Y and Z applicants, who value professional development opportunities, can also drive this change as they enter the workforce.
