Think Tanks and Policy-Making in Ethiopia: Case Studies on Ethiopian Economic Association and Forum for Social Studies
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Date
2018-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The research investigates the roles that think tanks in Ethiopia such as the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) and the Forum for Social Studies (FSS) are playing in influencing or contributing to policy-making process in Ethiopia. The general objective of the study is to identify the roles that think tanks play in Ethiopia, the relevance of their research to policy making and the challenges and opportunities they are encountering. The researcher has used qualitative research method and has employed purposive sampling technique. The data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire, in-depth key informant interview and review of documentation. The use of questionnaire was used to complement the interview. The data was analyzed using descriptive analysis method. The timeframe used for the study is since the establishment of the EEA and FSS. The findings of the study indicate that think tanks contribute widely to the policy making process, however, they are not achieving their full potential. There is still room to improve their influence and the relevance of the research topics they select. In terms of challenge, they are operating in a restrictive and disabling regulatory environment imposed by the Charities and Societies Proclamation, limited democratic space and diminishing financial resources. Their trajectory is therefore a downward type as staff morale is also affected. In order for think tanks to surmount the difficulties they are facing, the regulation needs to be adapted to encourage their performance, the democratic space needs to open up and the funding issue resolved through various fund raising mechanisms
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Public Administration and Development Management of Addis Ababa University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters in Public Management and Policy.
Keywords
Policy, Policy Influence, Think Thank