At CAPS Unlock, we believe in the power of research and collaboration. As the On Think Tanks (OTT) regional partner for Central Asia, we work to amplify the voices of think tanks in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
We’re excited to be part of the 2025 State of the Think Tank Sector Report, just as we were in 2024. This initiative helps our community understand the challenges and opportunities facing think tanks in our region and beyond.
In a rapidly changing world, think tanks serve as vital institutions, shaping policies and public discourse through research and analysis. However, they also navigate complex operational and political landscapes that influence their sustainability and impact. The Think Tank State of the Sector Survey 2025 seeks to capture these realities, providing a comprehensive, data-driven overview of the sector.
As regional partner, CAPS Unlock is mobilizing think tanks across Central Asia to ensure their experiences and perspectives are reflected in this global initiative. By engaging with our peers, we aim to:
We are proud to be part of a network of 19 regional partners from across the world, each bringing localized expertise to enrich the survey’s findings. This initiative bridges regions, creating a collective knowledge base that supports the continued evolution of think tanks worldwide.
For Central Asian think tanks, participation in the survey is more than just answering questions—it is an opportunity to shape the future of our sector. The data collected will inform the annual State of the Sector Report, a resource that provides valuable insights for think tank leaders, funders, and policymakers. It will also support the expansion of the Open Think Tank Directory and guide new research collaborations aimed at strengthening institutional sustainability.
By contributing to this effort, our region will gain greater visibility in global discussions on think tank development, ensuring that our unique challenges and successes are acknowledged on the international stage.
If your organization is listed in the Open Think Tank Directory, you will receive an invitation to participate. If not, we encourage you to register and take part in this essential study. The survey is open until May 11, 2025, and takes only 15–20 minutes to complete. All responses remain anonymous and will be aggregated to ensure confidentiality.
To recognize the contributions of participating organizations, OTT is offering two exclusive incentives:
Through this initiative, CAPS Unlock reaffirms its mission to elevate the role of Central Asian think tanks in the global research ecosystem. By working alongside partners from Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, we are not just reporting on the state of the sector—we are actively shaping its future.
Join us in this effort. Let’s ensure that the voices of Central Asian think tanks contribute to a stronger, more resilient global research community. Take the survey today and be part of the conversation that drives the evolution of our sector.
