Giving Compass' Take:

• On Think Tanks interviewed Shamika Ravi, the director of research at Brookings India, about the success of her programs and the future of think tank communities in India.

• How can international think tanks provide models of foreign aid service for other countries? How is collaboration between countries and communities useful for effective foreign aid and humanitarian work?

• Read about the success of other programs in India, such as the impact bond to help support maternal and newborn health. 

Dr. Shamika Ravi is the director of research at Brookings India and a senior fellow of governance studies program, at Brookings India and Brookings Institution Washington D.C. Dr. Annapoorna Ravichander, editor at large for South Asia at On Think Tanks, interviewed her as part of the of the series on South Asian Executive Directors.

OTT: What have been your key learnings as the director of research at Brookings India?

SR: My key learnings have been twofold: (1) Building a high calibre research team is difficult in a ‘thin’ market like India, given the scarcity of highly trained human resources, and (2) Policy impact requires a think tank to constantly “translate” its rigorous academic work into accessible briefs and white papers for outreach and dissemination.

OTT: How has the think tank community or landscape changed since you joined Brookings India? What do you think the future holds for it?

SR: It has been 4 years since I joined Brookings India. In this time, the think tank community has evolved significantly, enjoying greater professionalism and impact. Several leading institutions are working closely with governments and hosting massive international platforms for cross-border engagements. I am very confident on the future on the think tank community in India. However, given the needs of the country, there is an enormous capacity gap when it comes to research/evidence-based policymaking.

OTT: Can you share a success story?

SR: The Brookings India Health Monitor has received over 300 citations from media and policymakers. It is being used by NITI and state governments. The Health and Morbidity Report became the “go-to” document for the Ministry for Health, the Family Welfare (MoHfw), and others working on health in India.

Read the full article about think tanks in India by Shamika Ravi at Brookings.