Category: Modules

The third and final module focuses on blogs: what they are, how to structure them, and what is different about writing online content. The trainer then covers different think tank blogging formats. The session ends with an introduction to developing communication strategies and examples of communication action plans.

In the second module session, the trainer discusses policy briefs: what they are, why are they important and who they are for? She also covers the differences between objective and advocacy policy briefs, and takes participants through developing a policy brief, covering the key content and design techniques.

The first module focuses on writing, how to write clearly and to ‘cut the fat’ out of writing. Carolina discusses why publications are still so popular, and reflects with participants about how readable their writing is. The session also covers styles guides and publication policies as well as top tips for writing clearly.

Publications are one of the most important products produced by think tanks. While communication techniques are evolving and many organisations now use a mix of social media, data visualisation, podcasts, and events to help expose their research, the existence of a solid and well-written research report is a prerequisite.

Though publications come in different shapes and sizes (reports, background papers, policy briefs, books), there are a basic set of good practices that every researcher and communications professional should follow when developing written outputs. This short course offers the opportunity to learn about these by looking specifically at how to write policy briefs and blogs.

In Module 2, the trainer guides participants on how to share and distribute videos. He discusses how many organisations put all of their attention and resources into the production of a video, assuming that once created the video will just go viral. In this session, he explores ‘the myth of virality’ and discusses the importance of putting together an overarching distribution and outreach strategy to ensure the video’s success.

In the first module session, the trainer focuses on producing effective videos, and gives an overview of the production process and guidelines for both the pre-, post- and production stages. He discusses best practices related to identifying goals and audiences and adapting your research to make a compelling story. Finally, there is a discussion of practical concerns related to quality, budget and timelines.

As our global media landscape changes, think tanks that hope to have an impact on both policy decisions and public opinion must engage their audiences in diverse ways. Video has become an increasingly critical part of a comprehensive think tank communications strategy. When used well, video can be an effective way to communicate ideas through powerful stories and images that influence a wide range of audiences – from policy makers and experts to the general public.

However, due to a lack of internal capacity and limited resources, many think tanks struggle with video and remain unsure how to take advantage of its many strengths. This course aims to arm think tankers and researchers with knowledge and strategies that will allow them to confidently manage the production and distribution of high-quality videos about their work.

The life cycle of any video is typically broken down into three phases: pre-production (the idea is conceived and a plan is created), production (the video is created), and distribution (the video is disseminated in accordance with a well-laid strategy). This short course covers all three phases during two sessions. The first focuses on pre-production and introduces production. The second session finishes the discussion of the production process and then focuses on distribution.

Module 2 focuses on understanding policy problems, and how to plan the type of research a think tank produces based on the types of policy problems it aims to deal with. The different types of policy problems and the role of research in each of them are explained, and case studies are used to demonstrate this approach to developing policy-relevant research.

In Module 1, the trainer introduces the concept of policy-relevant research and discusses its seven principles, which are relevant both at the organisational level and to individual research projects. She highlights that policy-relevant research is context specific. As think tanks aim to produce evidence that leads to change, being in tune with the context and taking advantage of the windows of opportunity that might arise will help organisations achieve impact. Andrea presents the cycle of drafting a research agenda, and later discusses the steps involved.

A think tank’s research agenda is a vital part of its DNA; it reveals several aspects of an organisation. External audiences, whether donors, government officials, or other think tanks that may either be competing or searching for alliances, will try to make sense of your research agenda to determine your unique value.

How can you – an active think-tanker – benefit from a course on policy-relevant research agendas? This course is two sided. On the one hand, it explores the concepts and principles that can guide the strategic decisions of a research agenda. On the other, it reviews a detailed process to implement these principles.