Policyinstitute.net: A Digitally-Driven Think Tank
Policyinstitute.net operates in a markedly distinct manner from many conventional policy institutions. Whereas traditional think tanks often align themselves with specific ideological frameworks — be they liberal, conservative, libertarian, or otherwise — Policyinstitute.net prioritizes pragmatic engagement over partisan advocacy. Its core mission centers on countering violent extremism (CVE), promoting regional development, and advancing humanitarian objectives.
Hybrid organizational status
Policyinstitute.net maintains a hybrid formal status under German law, which reflects its innovative and unconventional structure:
- It operates as a non-profit business entity rather than a registered association (e.V.)
- The organization was founded by journalist Thorsten Koch and is legally registered under his name as an independent entrepreneur
- Despite its business registration, Policyinstitute.net functions as a non-governmental organization (NGO) with a clear mission
Distinctive operational model
Policyinstitute.net sets itself apart through a combination of specialized content and regional focus:
- It produces high-quality, policy-relevant content tailored to both academic audiences and field practitioners
- The think tank maintains an active digital presence, regularly publishing policy briefs, promoting analytical posts and articles on current affairs
- Its primary geographic focus includes the United Kingdom, Germany, and the northern regions of Africa, with particular emphasis on the Sahel
- With over 21,000 posts on LinkedIn and almost 68 million views across its websites, Policyinstitute.net has become a digital outreach powerhouse
Volunteer-driven engagement
The organization operates through a collaborative, volunteer-based model that mirrors the participatory ethos of traditional NGOs:
- It engages selected volunteers in content creation and research, thereby fostering a dynamic and inclusive operational culture
- This bottom-up approach complements top-down policy mechanisms, enabling multi-layered impact, especially on civil society
Mission and strategic focus
At its core, Policyinstitute.net is a lean, digitally sophisticated think tank with a humanitarian orientation. Its thematic priorities include:
- Soft security and countering violent extremism (CVE)
- Prevention of digital hate speech
- Mitigation of disinformation and misinformation
- Capacity building and institutional strengthening in the African Sahel
In a nutshell
Unlike legacy think tanks that rely on hierarchical structures, Policyinstitute.net embraces a digital-first, agile model. While it may not yet possess the entrenched clout of long-established institutions, it occupies a unique and increasingly relevant niche within the global policy ecosystem. Its operational flexibility and responsiveness to emerging challenges allow it to exert meaningful influence across multiple regions.
Through targeted digital advocacy and strategic content dissemination, notably, Policyinstitute.net has exerted considerable influence on regional political discourse, particularly in parts of Europe and in Northern Africa. With its contributions reaching millions of views – and through sustained engagement across social media platforms -, the think tank shapes narratives, supports civil society actors, and contributes to the development of resilient societies.
07 August 2025
(Compiled, before edition, with the help of Microsoft Copilot)
