The Center for International Development (CID) has been ranked the 3rd best university think tank and 5th best international development think tank, according to the newly released 2014 Global Go To Think Tank Index.
"At CID, we are trying to solve big problems in building global prosperity, such as, how do countries grow, how governments execute effectively, and how to design smart policies," said Marcela Escobari, executive director of CID. "This recognition underscores the impact of our ideas, and encourages us to keep up our efforts in refreshing the way we think about combating poverty."
2014 marks the 6th consecutive year the Center for International Development is listed in the index.
The report - generated by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program at the University of Pennsylvania – is an annual ranking involving a rigorous evaluation of over 6,000 global think tanks and incorporates 3,500 academics, public-policy experts, peers, and journalists in the process. The nominations and rankings are based on criteria that includes the production of rigorous and relevant research, publications, and programs.
"In the world filled with tweets and sound bites that are often superficial and politically charged, it is critical to know where to turn for sound policy proposals that address the complex policy issues that policymakers and the public face," said James McGann, director of Penn’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program. "This Index is designed to help identify and recognize the leading centers of excellence in public policy research around the world."
The report distinguishes think tanks by region, area of research, and special achievement.
"We are thrilled by this recognition, and we want to thank our supporters and fantastic team of faculty, fellows and staff who work to generate new ideas and make them relevant to the real world," added Ricardo Hausmann, CID faculty director.
Two additional Harvard University centers are recognized; the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs (#1 university affiliated) and the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs (#18 university affiliated).
The Center for International Development is a Harvard-wide center that focuses on resolving the dilemmas of public policy associated with generating stable, shared, and sustainable prosperity in developing countries. Its three main programs are led by an interdisciplinary group of faculty that includes Matt Andrews, Filipe Campante, Amitabh Chandra, Jeff Frankel, Rema Hanna, Ricardo Hausmann, Asim Khwaja, Robert Lawrence, Dan Levy, Sendhil Mullainathan, Rohini Pande, Lant Pritchett, Ryan Sheely, Michael Woolcock, David Yanagazawa-Drott, among others.