We are excited to announce the Tirana Think Tank Forum (TTF), scheduled for November 13th to 15th , 2024, as part of the SMART Balkans project. This event aims to bring together think tank organizations from across the Western Balkans to foster collaboration, share best practices, and develop innovative strategies to navigate the challenges they face in today’s political landscape.
Under the theme “Think Tanks in the Time of Hybrid Regimes – Challenges to Impact, Integrity, and Independence,” the TTF will address the pressing challenges faced by think tanks in the region with rising autocratic trends. As many countries in the Western Balkans experience increasing pressures on democratic institutions and civil society, this forum will serve as a platform for executives, senior managers, and researchers to engage in meaningful discussions about strategies for maintaining independence and ensuring impactful policymaking.
The forum will kick off with a closed-door session aimed at creating a safe and informal environment for think tank representatives to share their experiences and insights. This setting will facilitate open dialogue, allowing participants to generate innovative solutions to the common challenges they face in their respective contexts. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss topics such as managing external pressures, maintaining credibility, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.
Following the closed session, the event will continue to a public forum that will bring together over 100 participants, including policymakers, civil society representatives, and academics. This part of event will feature a diverse program that covers a range of topics, including:
- Think Tanks and Policy-Making in Hybrid Regimes
- Pushing the Boundaries for Evidence-Based Policy-Making: A View from the Other Side
- Agenda 2030 for Think Tanks: Parallel Sessions and Public Platform
- The Relevance of Think Tanks in Times of Crisis for Liberal Democracy:
Additionally, the forum will provide a unique opportunity for participants to learn from renowned experts and prominent figures in the think tank sector from the region and Europe. Through panel discussions, parallel sessions, and networking opportunities, attendees will have the opportunity to learn practical approaches and successful strategies which they can implement in their own work.
Registration for the Tirana Think Tank Forum now open! We encourage all interested participants to register promptly to secure their spot: Registration Form
*The event will be conducted in English, and the organizers will cover all travel, accommodation, and meal costs for selected applicants. However, there is also an opportunity for interested non-selected applicants to self-finance some of their costs beyond the allocated spots.
