OTT Podcast

In this bonus episode, we continue our conversation with Mathieu Lefèvre, Co-Founder and CEO of More in Common, to explore some of the critical forces shaping civic life and political discourse in Europe today.We begin with a look at the current imbalance in funding within the market of ideas, where emerging players on the far right are gaining ground, and what this means for the future of democratic debate.We also discuss new legislation in France and the UK that limits access to social media for under-16s, and how regulation might evolve to address broader concerns around focus, agency, and the online spaces that influence young citizens.Finally, we ask whether traditional political categories are still helpful in understanding how people engage with politics, or if it’s time for a new framework that reflects the complexity of public opinion today.This bonus 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/podcast-series-think-tanks-in-a-changing-europe/To learn more about More in Common, please visit: https://www.moreincommon.com/------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/

What does it take to lead a people-centred policy organisation in today’s polarised and fast-changing Europe? In this episode, we speak with Mathieu Lefèvre, co-founder and CEO of More in Common, a non-profit that uses evidence and social psychology to understand what brings societies together and what drives them apart.Mathieu reflects on the political fatigue spreading across Europe, and how rising polarisation and disinformation are reshaping the role of evidence in public life. In today’s climate, he argues, evidence is no longer just a tool; it’s a statement of values.Drawing on nearly a decade of leadership, Mathieu shares lessons from building an organisation rooted in curiosity about people: from bringing polling in-house and investing in team culture, to embracing the political dimensions of their work.We also explore the challenges think tanks face when it comes to change, funding, and engaging wider audiences. In a sector at risk of drifting away from people’s lived experiences, Mathieu offers a compelling vision of relevance, resilience, and hope.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/podcast-series-think-tanks-in-a-changing-europe/To learn more about More in Common, please visit: https://www.moreincommon.com/------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/

After seven candid conversations with think tank leaders across Europe, hosts Goran Buldioski and Enrique Mendizabal come together to reflect on the insights shared in these two seasons of Running think tanks in a changing Europe.What has surprised them the most? What are the common threads and the striking differences between how leaders from across the region understand their role, their impact, and their future? In this episode, Goran and Enrique delve into the changing political and funding landscape in which think tanks operate, the pressures that come with defending democratic values, and the importance of stepping outside the sector’s intellectual comfort zones.They also explore what was missing from these conversations, what we still need to better understand about the day-to-day realities of running a think tank in today’s Europe, and what future episodes could explore and uncover.Join us for this special episode that steps back from the interviews to connect the dots, highlight what we’ve learned, and invite you to listen (or re-listen) to the conversations shaping our understanding of European think tanks today.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/podcast-series-think-tanks-in-a-changing-europe------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 works to better understand and support think tanks. 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/on-think-tanks-programme/Support us: https://onthinktanks.org/support/

What happens when a think tank operates at the intersection of European, Mediterranean, and global affairs, while based in a city far from the capital? In this episode, we speak with Pol Morillas, Director of CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs), one of Spain’s leading foreign policy think tanks.Drawing on his experience in EU institutions and the Spanish foreign policy landscape, Pol reflects on the challenges and opportunities of leading a think tank in a politically fragmented context. We discuss the evolution of the Spanish think tank scene, the dynamics of funding beyond Madrid, and the importance of building trust and independence in a polarised environment.Pol also shares his views on the growing role of civil society in shaping public policy. He highlights how think tanks have evolved from acting solely as bridges between academia and politics to becoming conveners of broader coalitions, including civil society actors and the private sector, to foster meaningful policy dialogue.Join us as we delve into the evolving role of think tanks in Spain and beyond, exploring how they navigate political change, engage with civil society, adapt to new funding realities, and strive to remain relevant in an increasingly complex world.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/podcast-series-think-tanks-in-a-changing-europe/To learn more about CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs), please visit: https://www.cidob.org/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/

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/

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/

In this episode of the OTT Podcast, Bob Wekesa tells us about the work he has been doing at the African Center for the Study of the United States, an institution dedicated to studying the impact of US political, economic and trade relations with African countries. He talks about the organisation’s research agenda, building partnerships with institutions across Africa and his vision for the Centre’s future.

OTT Talks episode with Dr. Annapoorna Ravichander, executive director of the Public Affairs Foundation in India, and OTT associate. In this episode, Annapoorna talks to Enrique Mendizabal about a new project to support the Administrative Training Institute (ATI) in Mysuru. ATI is a public training centres with the potential to reach civil servants at significant scale. By helping to strengthen ATI, the Public Affairs Foundation and the Public Affairs Centre are, in essence, contributing towards strengthening policymaking as a whole.

OTT Talks episode with Dr. Chukwuka Onyekwena, executive director of CSEA, in Abuja. Dr. Onyekwena is a member of the steering committee of the West African Think Tank Network (WATTNet), a member of the African Policy Circle (APC), Global Economic Governance Africa (GEGAfrica) and Governance of Africa’s Resources Programme (GARN) both at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).

OTT Talks episode with Rose Abdollahzadeh, from Chatham House, on a new initiative to unleash the power of imagination to engage with the wider public. Rose talks about the Futurescape project offering advice to other think tanks who want to explore new and creative ways of communicating and engaging with their audiences. 

OTT Talks episode with Gala Díaz Langou, CIPPEC's new executive director, on the challenges and opportunities that think tanks face today. Gala reflects on her career at CIPPEC and her new role. 

OTT Talks with Oswaldo Molina about the new Peruvian think tank: Redes. Redes is a networked think tank that focuses on translating and communicating existing research to relevant policy audiences.

OTT Talks with Safa about Tactical Tech's work on data privacy, digital security, how the internet and digital technologies affect our lives, and what we can do about it.

OTT Talks episode with Wailea about  foraus' grassroots model, their engagement with volunteers across Switzerland, and their work with interns and volunteers adapting to the COVID-19 crisis.

A conversation with Johannes Linn on scaling. This took place in the frame of a 11-week long scaling X change supported by IDRC and hosted by OTT. In the first part of the conversation Johannes presents a very clear introduction to scaling.  The second part includes a reflection by Enrique Mendizabal on how this connects to other research uptake and policymaking discussions.

OTT Talks episode with Denisse Rodríguez from Voceras, an initiative to help women in think tanks and academia gain greater visibility in Peruvian media.

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/

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

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

In an era marked by political shifts, economic transitions, and changing donor landscapes, how do think tanks in the Western Balkans remain relevant and impactful?  This is a bonus episode with Sonja Stojanovic-Gajic, former director of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy. Listen to the full episode here. ------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------------- 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. Support us: https://onthinktanks.org/support