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2 - The Evolution of Think Tanks

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2009

Andrew Rich
Affiliation:
City College, City University of New York
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Summary

The only difference between you and me which may be of some significance is with regard to the proper function of a bureau of municipal research. It seems to me that in the long run the influence of such a bureau is enormously enhanced if it confines its function to investigation, study and recommendation, including such advice and help as may be necessary in securing the initial installation of improved methods adopted on its recommendation. You evidently, and quite logically, consider that the Bureau has an additional function, namely that of promotion, persuasion and agitation (another word that I use here without the slightest prejudice). Now these last named functions are all not only innocent but also highly desirable. My only point is that they interfere with that scientific detachment from partisan strife which would seem to be absolutely necessary if the Bureau's services are to be availed of to the best advantage by the particular administration that happens to be in power.

Correspondence from Jerome D. Greene, Executive Secretary of the Rockefeller Foundation, to Dr. William H. Allen, Director of the Bureau of Municipal Research, New York City, October 9, 1913

Navigating a course between distanced investigation and active promotion is not a new challenge for think tanks. As the excerpt above illustrates, leaders of think tanks have long been faced with trying to strike a suitable balance between careful “study and recommendation” and aggressive “persuasion and agitation.”

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2004

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  • The Evolution of Think Tanks
  • Andrew Rich, City College, City University of New York
  • Book: Think Tanks, Public Policy, and the Politics of Expertise
  • Online publication: 13 July 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511509889.002
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  • The Evolution of Think Tanks
  • Andrew Rich, City College, City University of New York
  • Book: Think Tanks, Public Policy, and the Politics of Expertise
  • Online publication: 13 July 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511509889.002
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • The Evolution of Think Tanks
  • Andrew Rich, City College, City University of New York
  • Book: Think Tanks, Public Policy, and the Politics of Expertise
  • Online publication: 13 July 2009
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511509889.002
Available formats
×