Think Tank Lab

The Think Tank Lab, a joint project by MERICS and the German Council on Foreign Relations, is a platform, learning space, and driver for innovative and impact-oriented think tank work. Founded in 2021 and funded by Stiftung Mercator and Robert Bosch Stiftung, the Think Tank Lab supports the co-creative advancement of the German think tank sector by:

•    Strengthening peer learning, co-creation, and exchange in and among think tanks;
•    Qualifying think tank personnel through tailor-made training opportunities; and
•    Crowdsourcing, testing, and disseminating good practices and new approaches to think tank work.   

While our activities are primarily aimed at think tanks and policy-oriented research institutes based in Germany, we also promote exchange with the wider European and international think tank community.

How We Work
We see the Think Tank Lab as a place of engagement, learning, and community. Our approach is co-creative. We listen, bring people together, and design processes that allow everyone to contribute their experience and expertise in a trustful and friendly environment. We offer opportunities to learn and grow – and for you to share what you know with others. We provide space to explore and experiment with new approaches to think tanking. This allows us to see what works, adapt, and advance our practices. 

How To Get Involved 
For our activities, we usually partner with other organizations. Please get in touch via [email protected] if you would like to propose a topic or collaborate with us.

You can find more information on our official project website here: www.thinktanklab.org

Contact: