OHKF Ranks 112th in the ‘Top Think Tanks Worldwide’ Index

In the newly released ‘2019 Global Go To Think Tank Index’, the Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) ranked 112th position among ‘Top Think Tanks Worldwide (US and Non-US)’, up 19 places and was among the top 100 in a number of categories, including ‘Think Tanks with the Most Significant Impact on Public Policy’. In addition, OHKF’s research report on Hong Kong’s health system was named ‘Best Policy Study/Report Produced by a Think Tank’.

The global index of think tanks was developed and launched by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) of the University of Pennsylvania in 2006. For 2019, a total of 8,248 think tanks around the world were reviewed, of which 22% were from Asia, including 507 think tanks from China. The criteria for ranking include, but are not limited to, the quality and reputation of the research and analysis produced, the quality and reputation of researchers, ability to produce new knowledge, innovative policy proposals or alternative ideas on policy, the impact of policy recommendations on society, website and social media presence, and more. 

Established five years ago, the OHKF received the first ranking in the Index and ranked 60th among ‘Top Think Tanks in China, India, Japan and the Republic of Korea’ in 2016. In 2017, the Foundation went on to achieve the 173th position among ‘Top Think Tanks Worldwide (US and Non-US)’. Two years later, the OHKF has risen to the 112th place in the ‘Top Think Tanks Worldwide (US and Non-US)’ and the 40th among ‘Top Think Tanks in China, India, Japan and the Republic of Korea’ in 2019.

Meanwhile, the OHKF has achieved significant progress in different areas and entered the top 100 in a number of rankings, including: ‘Top Domestic Health Affairs Think Tanks’ (52th), ‘Think Tanks with the Most Significant Impact on Public Policy’ (55th), and ‘Best Advocacy Campaign’ (77th). Notably, the research report launched by the Foundation in late 2018, titled Fit for Purpose: A Health System for the 21st Century, was commended as ‘Best Policy Study/Report Produced by a Think Tank’ along with 162 research reports globally. 

The Report offered a comprehensive examination of challenges faced by Hong Kong’s health system and recommended an urgent need to reorient our traditionally treatment-focused health system towards one that emphasises the provision of person-centred care. It also highlighted the importance of putting in place governance levers and structures for system changes in moving towards a primary care-led integrated health system.

The top three think tanks in the ‘Top Think Tanks Worldwide (US and Non-US)’ in 2019 are: the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, followed by Bruegel, and the French Institute of International Relations respectively. The Brookings Institution has been ranked as the top think tank worldwide (1st position) for three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018, and is recognised as a ‘Center of Excellence’ this year.

Mrs Eva Cheng, Executive Director of the Our Hong Kong Foundation, considered the rise in international ranking a reflection of the recognition of OHKF’s research work by the international community and academia. OHKF will continue to make concerted and vigorous efforts in enhancing the long-term interests and overall development of Hong Kong. ‘In 2020, both the macro economy and Hong Kong society will be facing rapid changes. Think tanks should play a key role in such extraordinary times. Through professional and objective research, we can build a bridge between academic knowledge and public policies, giving a sense of hope to the Hong Kong people with the provision of timely strategies and recommendations to the government and society,’ said Mrs Cheng.

Mr Stephen Wong, Deputy Executive Director and Head of Public Policy Institute, expressed that: ‘OHKF are encouraged by the leap upward in international rankings. In particular, for the first time, we have a research report chosen as “Best Policy Study/Report Produced by a Think Tank”, which was a great affirmation of our policy research team’s efforts. We must give thanks to the many senior and well-known experts, scholars and cross-sector stakeholders who have rendered us highly valuable advice and guidance in different policy areas. With their support, our research remains forward-looking and practicable, while gaining positive responses from the public.’

Global Go To Think Tank Index

‘The Global Go To Think Tank Index’ was initiated in 2006 by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) of the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. It keeps track of the contributions made by think tanks in various countries and carefully considers the rise and development of think tanks worldwide. Through comprehensive evaluation and ranking of think tanks, it looks into the role of think tanks in governments and societies around the world. The Index is the most influential global think tank ranking system in contemporary times, owing to extensive participation involved in the selection process and the rigour and fairness of its design.