Bonn, 30 January 2020. 

This Thursday, the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) of the University of Pennsylvania has published its annual Global Go To Think Tank-Ranking. Among the best-ranked think tanks worldwide, the German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE) was voted into a prime position: The index ranked the institute as 3rd place among the most renowned research institutions worldwide in the category Top International Development Think Tanks. Only the Brookings Institution from the United States and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) from the United Kingdom where ranked higher. In the general categories Top Think Tanks – Worldwide (US and Non-US), DIE placed 42nd and was able to rise slightly compared to the previous year. The institute retained a strong 26th place in the category Top Think Tanks Worldwide (non-US).

“DIE was able to improve its position in the area of development research and policy advice. I am very happy for the accomplishments of our institute’s employees as well as of our European and international networks”, said DIE’s Acting Director Imme Scholz on the occasion of the Index’s release. “In addition, our partner institution of the Bonn Alliance for Sustainability Research – the Bonn International Center for Conversion and the Center for Development Research – had a strong showing in the ranking. This mirrors the growing of the importance of Bonn as a centre for research on development policy as well as its international perception”, continued Scholz. 

In additional categories of the ranking, DIE was able to maintain and improve a series of strong placements. Compared to the pervious year, the institute was able to improve its position in the category Top Think Tanks in Western Europe by five places (now 20th of 141). In the category Best Government Affiliated Think Tanks, DIE again placed fifth overall. In addition, DIE war able to retain its 27th place in the category Best External Relations/Public Engagement Program. The study participants also attested DIE positive trends in the categories Outstanding Policy-Oriented Research Program (place 41) and Best Quality Assurance and Integrity Policies and Procedures (27th of 77). 

The annual Global Go To Think Tank Index Report by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) at the University of Pennsylvania surveys the role of policy research institutions in government and civil society around the globe. This year’s survey included responses from 3,974 policymakers, journalists, university faculty and administrators, think tank scholars and executives as well as by donors from around the world. The annual report provides a differentiated evaluation based on region, scientific field, as well as outstanding performances and achievements of a particular Think Tank.