The worldwide network of think tanks is expanding. In order to collect, analyze and disseminate information on Japanese and foreign think tanks, NIRA's Center for Policy Research Information has conducted a survey triennially for think tanks around the world and published the results in an English language directory. The directory aims to contribute to establishing an intellectual infrastructure and realizing cooperation between think tanks. In the 2005 edition of the directory, which contains information on 318 institutes from 89 nations, the layout was revamped for ease of use. The directory, a representative NIRA publication, is a comprehensive source of information, and has been used through the years by research institutions, corporate entities, and universities around the world.
In order to expand access to this useful reference source on think tanks, basic organizational information on approx. 500 institutions from 100 countries is available on line.
"This new edition of NIRA's World Directory of Think Tanks expands upon work that began nearly a decade ago. It is an important reference work providing detailed profiles of more than 300 institutions in 77 countries. NIRA's Directory is a chronicle of the proliferation of independent policy research institutions around the world and suggests how their roles vary from one political culture to another. One can find think tanks at work in mature democratic nations as well as emerging democracies, in post-industrial economies as well as developing market systems. This volume provides an important global perspective on policy expertise."
-- Smith, James Allen, an Adviser to the President of The J. Paul Getty Trust, USA