Think Tank versus Do Tank

Background

Did you know that the University of Pennsylvania has a Think Tank that studies Think Tanks? Known as “Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP)” one of the main purpose is to track the evolution, activities, efficacy and impact of of the burgeoning number of Think Tanks worldwide. TTCSP publishes its annual Global Go To Think Tank Index Report which currently estimates there 8,248 think tanks; at best this an estimate as new think tanks are created with increasing regularity while existing think tanks going out of business.

What is a Think Tank?

The signing of the Magna Carta is perhaps the critical milestone for one of history’s greatest innovations: the rule of law and civil society. Confronted by 40 rebellious barons, King John attached his royal seal to arguable one of histroy’s most famous documents. consenting to their demands in order to avert civil war. Just 10 weeks later, Pope Innocent III nullified the agreement, and England plunged into internal war.

Although Magna Carta failed to resolve the conflict between King John and his barons, it was reissued several times after his death. THe Magna Carta became the bedrock inspirations of the U.S. founding fathers that ultimately led to the United States Constitution and the birthright of democracy. So important was this document that Franklin Delano Roosevelt included areference in his inaugural address:

“The democratic aspiration is no mere recent phase in human history . . . It was written in Magna Carta.”

–Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1941 Inaugural address

Do Tank

Trademarked in 2013 by Turtle Pond Publications under the aegis of the Disruptor Foundation, Do Tank and DoTank.Com launched its inaugural event at the Disruptor Foundation’s Anti-Summit held at the Tribeca Film Festival as part of its annual Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards (also known as the Disruptor Awards. There were 26 Do Tanks comprised of entrepreneurs, academics, activists, major, disruptors, major large and small organizations including FEMA, Women’s Professional Hockey, Carrot Corp, Singularity University, Columbia University.

Dating and the days of Charlemagne and the evolution of civil society, A think tank, of frequently policy institute, is a research institute that performs research and advocacy concerning topics such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military, technology, and culture. Most think tanks are non-governmental organizations, but some are semi-autonomous agencies within government or are associated with particular political parties, businesses or the military.^[1] Think-tanks are often funded by individual donations, with many also accepting government grants.^[2]

!