At yet another level, it requires an open political culture that encourages transparency and accountability and undermines corruption. Acting as a bridge between policy makers and civil society, think tanks and policy institutes have the potential to draw upon these diverse sources of knowledge and expertise, enhance participation and more effectively channel ideas and innovations into policy thinking. Partnerships in knowledge development with civil society actors may create more socially inclusive processes and effective implementation of development policies. Knowledge plays a key role in shaping our understanding of social, political and economic change. New ideas are essential to combating poverty, stimulating sustainable development and providing opportunities for future generations.
Research is central to effective policy and planning for reconstruction, reunification and reform.
Conceptualizing and confronting the security and development nexus is one that requires expert thinking and recommendation. Knowledge organizations such as research institutes and think tanks are important actors in making the critical connections between these fields of inquiry and in linking civil society with decision makers in government and international organizations.