A1 Journal article (refereed)
Typology of think tanks : A comparative study in Finland and Scotland (2021)

Mykkänen, M., & Freshwater, N. (2021). Typology of think tanks : A comparative study in Finland and Scotland. Academicus : International Scientific Journal, 2021(23), 72-90. https://doi.org/10.7336/academicus.2021.23.05

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Mykkänen, Markus; Freshwater, Neil

Journal or series: Academicus : International Scientific Journal

ISSN: 2079-3715

eISSN: 2309-1088

Publication year: 2021

Volume: 2021

Issue number: 23

Pages range: 72-90

Publisher: Academicus shpk Albania

Publication country: Albania

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7336/academicus.2021.23.05

Persistent website address: http://www.academicus.edu.al/nr23/Academicus-MMXX-23-072-090.html

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/75263

Publication is parallel published: https://ideas.repec.org/a/etc/journl/y2021i23p72-90.html

Abstract

This paper provides a comparative analysis of current Finnish and Scottish think tanks and reviews how think tanks in these countries have evolved, how think tanks seek to influence decision making and engage with their stakeholders. To address the ways of influence this paper looks how Finnish and Scottish think tanks describe themselves and how they use publications in their advocacy. Conducted content analysis indicates that usually registered association based Finnish think tanks are generally more research-focused organisations, who overall deploy more research publications for advocacy than the company based Scottish think tanks. Findings also reveal that the number of think tanks in both countries has greatly increased in the last two decades due to the political challenges with European Union and national politics. The paper provides a new approach to study think tanks in national contexts.

Keywords: think tanks; political decision making; influencing; stakeholder groups; comparative research

Free keywords: advocacy; policy making; Finland; Scotland

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Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1