OTT Podcast

On Think Tanks

OTT Podcast brings you interviews and discussions with leading thinktankers. Follow us on onthinktanks.org

  1. Crises and Responsibilities: Rosa Balfour's Insights from Carnegie Europe

    3 hr ago

    Crises and Responsibilities: Rosa Balfour's Insights from Carnegie Europe

    In this episode of OTT Talks, co-hosts Enrique Mendizabal and Goran Buldioski speak with Dr Rosa Balfour, Director of Carnegie Europe, about how Europe’s successive crises since the 2008 financial crash—through the Arab Spring, Crimea, Brexit, and Trump—have reshaped the foreign policy landscape and the role of think tanks. Rosa describes Brussels as a more process-driven but increasingly closed policy ecosystem, contrasts it with more politically aligned national capitals, and explains the leadership demands of running a pan-European think tank: thought leadership, fundraising, visibility, and supporting staff across multiple capitals. She discusses the tension between 24/7 commentary and deep research, the responsibility to contribute to public debate (including in smaller countries), the funding constraints facing European think tanks, and the growing but still limited mainstream influence of radical-right think tank ecosystems such as Hungary’s MCC. This episode is part of a series, Think tanks in a changing Europe, supported by the Open Society Foundations. You can listen to the whole series here. Tune in, and visit Carnegie Europe to learn more about what was discussed during this podcast. About OTT Talks: OTT Talks is a platform for sharing learning among think tanks, funders, and other policy actors on a range of topics, from think tank governance to communicating research. Learn more. About On Think Tanks:  On Think Tanks focuses on a range of issues relevant to think tanks, their staff, and supporters. We hope that our initiatives and the articles and resources we publish will help think tanks make short- and long-term decisions more strategically, resulting in better policy advice and policy outcomes for all. Learn more & support us.

    53 min
  2. A conversation with Ivor Chipkin from the New South Institute on public service reform, evidence use, and the role of think tanks

    22 Jun

    A conversation with Ivor Chipkin from the New South Institute on public service reform, evidence use, and the role of think tanks

    In this OTT Talks episode, Enrique Mendizabal speaks with Ivor Chipkin, co-founder and director of South Africa’s New South Institute, shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Public Service Amendment Act 2025. Chipkin explains how, since 1994, political leaders have held extensive control over public service appointments and operations as a workaround for governing under inherited apartheid-era administrations, but this politicisation later contributed to declining performance, corruption, and “state capture,” with uneven effects across institutions. The new act aims to demarcate politics from administration by shifting key administrative powers to department heads, while politicians set policy and provide oversight, aligning South Africa with civil service reforms seen elsewhere. Chipkin describes NSI’s long-term advocacy and alliance-building from the 2022 reform opening to the 2024 coalition-era shift, and highlights implementation risks, monitoring needs, and the importance of patient funding.

    34 min
  3. OTT Conference special | Do think tanks matter? by Rosa Balfour

    5 Jun

    OTT Conference special | Do think tanks matter? by Rosa Balfour

    Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference. In an era marked by democratic uncertainty, technological disruption and geopolitical instability, do think tanks still matter? In this keynote from the OTT Conference 2026, Rosa Balfour reflects on the growing pressures facing think tanks — from the transformation of the information ecosystem and declining trust in institutions to funding challenges and global geopolitical upheaval. She argues that think tanks continue to play a critical role as bridges between policymakers and society, while calling for greater clarity of purpose, stronger communities of practice and more meaningful public engagement. Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/ Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/

    20 min
  4. OTT Conference special | If we don’t tell the story, others will: Think tanks in a polarised world by Héctor Cárdenas

    5 Jun

    OTT Conference special | If we don’t tell the story, others will: Think tanks in a polarised world by Héctor Cárdenas

    Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference. How can think tanks remain trustworthy institutions in increasingly polarised political environments? In this keynote from the OTT Conference 2026, Héctor Cárdenas reflects on the relationship between evidence, storytelling and trust. Drawing on COMEXI’s experience in Mexico, he explores how think tanks can navigate political pressures, fragmented audiences and institutional tensions while remaining credible, pluralistic and grounded in evidence. From strategic communication and public engagement to government relations and organisational identity, this session offers a thoughtful reflection on what it means for knowledge to matter in today’s policy debates. Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/ Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/

    32 min
  5. OTT Conference special | Trusted by whom? Rethinking think tank legitimacy in the African context by Denis Foretia

    5 Jun

    OTT Conference special | Trusted by whom? Rethinking think tank legitimacy in the African context by Denis Foretia

    Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference. Who are think tanks ultimately accountable to? In this keynote from the OTT Conference 2026, Denis Foretia examines the complex relationship between legitimacy, independence and trust in African policy research organisations. Drawing on the experience of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation in Cameroon, he reflects on the tensions between governments, funders and citizens — and argues that genuine legitimacy must be earned locally, not borrowed internationally. Through personal stories and institutional lessons, Denis explores what it takes to build trust with the communities think tanks claim to serve. Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/ Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/

    24 min
  6. OTT Conference special | The knowledge in this room: What comes next by Erica Schoder

    5 Jun

    OTT Conference special | The knowledge in this room: What comes next by Erica Schoder

    Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference. What happens to think tanks when artificial intelligence can produce analysis in seconds? In this keynote from the OTT Conference 2026, Erica explores how AI is reshaping the production of knowledge and what this means for policy research organisations. While AI can dramatically expand analytical capacity, she argues that the most valuable forms of knowledge still emerge through human encounter, judgement and relationships built around shared stakes and difficult decisions. The session reflects on trust, expertise, institutional value and the future role of think tanks in an AI-mediated world. Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/ Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/

    18 min
  7. OTT Conference special | Rebalancing narratives and nurturing talent: Karim El Aynaoui’s welcoming remarks

    5 Jun

    OTT Conference special | Rebalancing narratives and nurturing talent: Karim El Aynaoui’s welcoming remarks

    Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference. In his welcoming remarks at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Karim El Aynaoui, Executive Director of the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), reflected on the role think tanks can play in addressing global imbalances and strengthening public policy ecosystems. Karim explored the importance of talent development, public service, and evidence-informed policymaking, while highlighting the need to rebalance global narratives and create greater space for perspectives from the Global South. He argued that think tanks have a responsibility not only to produce research, but also to nurture future leaders, contribute to more inclusive international debates, and build partnerships that turn ideas into action. His remarks set the tone for the conference’s wider discussions on trust, legitimacy, knowledge production and the evolving role of think tanks in a rapidly changing world. Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/ Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/

    7 min
  8. Leading in a changing Europe: Scarlett Varga on neutrality, relevance, and funding

    12 May

    Leading in a changing Europe: Scarlett Varga on neutrality, relevance, and funding

    In this OTT Talks episode, co-hosts Enrique Mendizabal and Goran Buldioski interview Scarlett Varga, Secretary General of Bruegel, about how an economic think tank navigates Europe’s shifting political and economic context. Scarlett argues that “neutrality” is contested: Bruegel defines neutrality as openness to engage across the spectrum while disclosing biases and values, and she discusses the challenge of engaging radical-right or MAGA-adjacent actors without enabling shouting-match platforms. She describes Brussels/EU as akin to The Grand Budapest Hotel—charming yet chaotic—and reflects on Bruegel’s adaptability during crises through flagship outputs, a strong research culture, and a diversified funding model. The conversation also covers membership-based governance, tensions over independence, growth, and advice to aspiring think tankers: only do the work if you truly believe in it. This episode is part of a series, Think tanks in a changing Europe, supported by the Open Society Foundations. You can listen to the whole series here. Tune in, and visit bruegel.org to learn more about what was discussed during this podcast. About OTT Talks: OTT Talks is a platform for sharing learning among think tanks, funders, and other policy actors on a range of topics, from think tank governance to communicating research. Learn more. About On Think Tanks:  On Think Tanks focuses on a range of issues relevant to think tanks, their staff, and supporters. We hope that our initiatives and the articles and resources we publish will help think tanks make short- and long-term decisions more strategically, resulting in better policy advice and policy outcomes for all. Learn more & support us.

    57 min
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About

OTT Podcast brings you interviews and discussions with leading thinktankers. Follow us on onthinktanks.org

Information

  • Creator
    On Think Tanks
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © On Think Tanks
  • Show Website
    OTT Podcast