Strengthening Partnerships and Policy Impact at the On Think Tanks Conference
Last month, the Institute for Economic Development participated in the On Think Tanks (OTT) Global Conference in Rabat, Morocco, a leading international forum that brings together think tanks, policy institutes, researchers, and development organizations to explore how evidence can inform policy and drive meaningful change.
A key message emerging from the conference closely aligns with the Institute’s mission: generating knowledge is only the first step. To have real impact, evidence must be translated into meaningful dialogue, strategic partnerships, and actionable policy solutions.
During the conference, the Institute was highlighted as a platform for knowledge curation, policy dialogue, capacity building, and partnership development. Participants also explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration across Africa and the Mediterranean.
Discussions emphasized the importance of complementarity and collaboration with other World Bank initiatives that engage think tanks and policy research institutions. By leveraging the Bank’s comparative advantage in connecting evidence, policy, and implementation, these efforts can help amplify the reach and impact of development knowledge.
Several themes emerged across conference sessions, including the role of AI in knowledge ecosystems, the importance of trust and storytelling in policymaking, and the growing influence of youth-led think tanks and policy entrepreneurs in advancing new ideas and solutions.
The conference created promising opportunities for future collaboration, particularly in Africa-focused policy research, leadership development, knowledge dissemination, executive education, and innovative approaches to strengthening the connection between evidence and decision-making.
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