Influential Tech Policy Think Tanks to Know for Technology and Policy

Tech policy think tanks play a crucial role in shaping how technology impacts society. They advocate for digital rights, conduct research, and provide insights to policymakers, ensuring that technology serves the public good while balancing innovation and individual freedoms.

1. Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)

   • Advocates for digital rights and privacy, focusing on the intersection of technology and civil liberties.
   • Engages in policy analysis and research to promote an open and democratic internet.
   • Works with policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to shape technology policy that protects individual freedoms.

2. Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)

   • A leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world.
   • Focuses on issues such as privacy, free expression, and innovation in technology.
   • Provides legal support and advocacy for individuals and organizations facing challenges related to technology and the law.

3. Brookings Institution

   • A prominent think tank that conducts in-depth research on various public policy issues, including technology and innovation.
   • Offers policy recommendations based on empirical research and expert analysis.
   • Hosts events and discussions to foster dialogue among policymakers, scholars, and the public on tech-related issues.

4. RAND Corporation

   • A nonprofit global policy think tank that provides research and analysis on a wide range of issues, including technology and national security.
   • Conducts studies to inform policymakers about the implications of emerging technologies.
   • Focuses on the intersection of technology, policy, and societal impact, providing strategic insights for decision-makers.

5. Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)

   • A leading think tank focused on advancing technology innovation and its role in economic growth.
   • Conducts research and advocates for policies that promote technological advancement and competitiveness.
   • Emphasizes the importance of federal investment in research and development to drive innovation.

6. Pew Research Center

   • A nonpartisan organization that conducts public opinion polling and social science research on technology and its impact on society.
   • Provides data-driven insights into how technology affects various aspects of life, including communication, privacy, and social behavior.
   • Serves as a valuable resource for understanding public attitudes toward technology and policy issues.

7. New America Foundation

   • A think tank that focuses on addressing the challenges of a changing world through innovative policy solutions.
   • Engages in research and advocacy on issues such as technology, education, and economic opportunity.
   • Promotes a vision of a more equitable and inclusive digital future through policy recommendations and public engagement.

8. Cato Institute

   • A libertarian think tank that advocates for limited government and individual liberties, including in the realm of technology.
   • Focuses on issues such as internet freedom, privacy rights, and the impact of regulation on innovation.
   • Produces research and commentary that challenges government overreach in technology policy.

9. Future of Humanity Institute (FHI)

   • An interdisciplinary research center focused on the long-term impact of technology on humanity's future.
   • Explores existential risks associated with advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
   • Aims to inform policy decisions that ensure the safe and beneficial development of transformative technologies.

10. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

    • A think tank that addresses global challenges, including the implications of technology on international security and policy.
    • Conducts research and analysis on cybersecurity, technology policy, and geopolitical dynamics.
    • Engages with policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies for navigating the complexities of technology in a global context.