Observer Research Foundation (ORF)

The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is an independent think-tank based in India, established in 1990. It is dedicated to conducting research and providing analyses on a wide range of issues concerning national security, foreign policy, economic development, governance, technology, and energy.

ORF has a team of over 120 experts and analysts from diverse backgrounds, including academia, industry, media, and government. It works closely with leading universities and research institutions in India and abroad to promote intellectual exchange and foster policy debates.

ORF's research and analysis are disseminated through various channels, including policy briefs, books, journals, and public lectures. ORF also hosts several annual conferences and workshops to facilitate discussions and collaborations between policymakers, scholars, and practitioners.

ORF has been recognized as one of the top think-tanks in Asia and has received numerous accolades for its research and policy advocacy. It has offices in several cities in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, and has a growing presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) was founded in 1990 by a group of Indian intellectuals, policymakers, and business leaders who shared a common vision of promoting independent research and analysis on issues of national importance. The founders included Ratan Tata, Nandan Nilekani, and K Subrahmanyam, among others.

In its early years, ORF focused on research and advocacy on security and foreign policy issues, with a particular emphasis on India's relations with its neighbours and major powers. It quickly gained a reputation as a leading think-tank in the region, and its experts were frequently consulted by policymakers, media, and civil society organizations.

In the 2000s, ORF expanded its research agenda to include economic development, governance, and technology issues. It established partnerships with several universities and research institutions in India and abroad to enhance its research capabilities and promote intellectual exchange.

ORF's research and policy advocacy have contributed to several important policy initiatives and reforms in India. For instance, its recommendations on energy security and renewable energy were incorporated into India's National Action Plan on Climate Change. Its analysis on cyber security and internet governance have informed policy debates and legislation in India and other countries.

Today, ORF is recognized as one of the most influential think-tanks in Asia, with a growing presence in the Asia-Pacific region. It has several offices in India and a network of experts and partners around the world. ORF continues to be committed to promoting independent research and analysis on issues of critical importance to India and the region.

The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) has a twofold goal: to generate and disseminate high-quality research and analysis on issues of national and international significance, and to promote informed policy choices and public debate.

To achieve its goals, ORF has identified several key areas of research, including national security, foreign policy, economic development, governance, technology, and energy. ORF's research is interdisciplinary, drawing on insights from various fields such as economics, political science, law, and science and technology.

ORF's research and analysis aim to generate new knowledge and perspectives on complex policy issues, inform public debate, and influence policy decisions. ORF's experts are frequently consulted by government agencies, media, and civil society organizations for their insights and recommendations.

In addition to research, ORF engages in policy advocacy and public outreach to promote informed public discourse and generate support for policy reforms. ORF organizes workshops, conferences, and public lectures to facilitate dialogue and exchange between policymakers, scholars, and practitioners.

ORF's ultimate purpose is to contribute to India's development and global engagement by generating innovative ideas, fostering informed debate, and shaping policy choices. ORF seeks to play a leading role in promoting evidence-based policymaking and fostering a culture of intellectual inquiry and exchange in India and beyond.

The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) has had a significant impact on policy formulation and public discourse in India and the wider Asia-Pacific region. ORF's research and analysis have influenced policy decisions in several key areas, including national security, foreign policy, economic development, governance, technology, and energy.

For instance, ORF's research on India's relations with its neighbors and major powers has informed policy decisions and helped shape India's foreign policy outlook. ORF's analysis on economic development and governance has contributed to policy reforms in areas such as taxation, infrastructure, and social welfare. ORF's work on energy security and renewable energy has helped shape India's energy policy and its international commitments on climate change.

ORF's research and analysis have also contributed to public debates on a wide range of issues. ORF experts are frequently quoted in the media, and ORF's publications, including policy briefs, books, and journals, are widely read by policymakers, scholars, and practitioners.

In addition to its research and analysis, ORF's public outreach and advocacy efforts have helped promote informed public discourse and generate support for policy reforms. ORF's workshops, conferences, and public lectures have facilitated dialogue and exchange between policymakers, scholars, and practitioners, and have helped foster a culture of intellectual inquiry and exchange in India and beyond.