The Asian Think Tanks Network (ATTN) is a network of think tanks and research centers actively engaged in the study of sustainable economic growth and inclusive development in Asia and the Pacific region.1 The network, led by ADB in partnership with the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), undertakes collaborative policy-relevant research activity on a wide array of socio-economic themes while pursuing three goals:
- To enhance systematic knowledge sharing among academics and young scholars in think tanks operating in the Asia and Pacific region;
- To strengthen the think tanks’ research capacity on major national and international macro-economic and development issues; and
- To raise awareness of the Asia and Pacific region in the global community.
The ATTN was launched in October 2013 as part of ADB’s regional technical assistance project supported by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Poverty Reduction and Regional Cooperation Fund. Since 2018, this platform has been fully funded by ADB’s Technical Assistance resources.
In keeping with the fluid nature of global and regional growth and development priorities, the network adopts a dynamic research approach. Research themes are chosen based on the policy priorities of developing economies in Asia and the Pacific and are of mutual interest to ADB, ADBI and a partner research institute in one of the ADB member countries. Some areas of ongoing research include trade and global value chain, digitalization and inclusion, sustainable development, regional and subregional economic integration, human capital and skills development, migration and remittances, and post-pandemic economic recovery. Each of these subjects falls within the purview of ADB Strategy 2030 and plays a vital role in achieving ADB’s vision of a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific.
The ATTN Forum is ATTN’s annual flagship event. The Forum provides a venue to facilitate extensive exchange of ideas among scholars from all participating organizations, and government and private sector representatives. The event offers capacity building training, led by ADBI, to strengthen public policy and decision-making skills. Since its inception, the ATTN has hosted a total of nine Forums on dedicated themes such as innovation, urbanization, global value chains, and tourism.
Secretariat
ADB serves as network organizer and secretariat, through the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department.
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1 The ATTN was previously called ADB-Asian Think Tanks Network. The change in name has been adopted as ADB partners with different institutions in pursuit of the objectives of the ATTN.