Think tanks and 'policy hybrids' in the Western Balkans and post-soviet space

In response to changing geopolitical circumstances and the fiscal austerity in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, many think tank donors have considered expanding their funding options to include new policy actors in order to achieve the same (or greater) policy impact on a more limited budget. This article reviews one case of donor assistance to support policy hybrid organizations in the Western Balkans and the former Soviet Union. While generally successful in helping a number of local organizations to become policy relevant, the experience provides a series of lessons for foreign donors. It also seeks to marry these insights with a new funding reality, which combines less money available for supporting policy research with greater pressure for that research to be responsive and influential.