Mapping the field of public policy think tanks: Prototypes and value structure

The policy think tank is a form of organization that appears to be growing rapidly worldwide. Anecdotal and historical evidence of the geopolitical and economic impact of these organizations abounds. The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) provided necessary analysis and planning for American entry into World War II. The Heritage Institute developed the concept of the health insurance mandate subsequently implemented first in the Affordable Care Act. We combine historical investigation with an analysis of data from a range of sources to test hypotheses about the current state and the development of this field. The results yield insights into the nature of these organizations and their role in the political economy.