Thinking the Unthinkable: From Thought to Policy - The Role of Think Tanks in Shaping Government Strategy - Experiences from Central and Eastern Europe

The Challenges of constructing effective governance systems in Central and South Eastern Europe during the past decade have been extensive. This publication looks at the linkages between these challenges and the experiences and best practices that have emerged, including the contributions of think tanks to government capacity. It is divided into three sections. The first part reviews a number of tools that can be used to stimulate a more institutionalized strategic thinking process in governments, using both the available capacities inside government structures and the inputs by civil society organizations. The second part reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of civil society organizations and think tanks as providers of inputs to policy makers. In it third and final part the publication includes a case study of the application of Early Warning System as a specific tool to bring together government and civil society capacities in the context of South Eastern Europe.