Effect evaluation of the activity subsidy to Institute Clingendael

ADE carried out an independent evaluation of the activity subsidy to the Clingendael Institute – a Dutch think tank on international affairs – for its public platform function. This subsidy was provided by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and amounted to €3.2 million for a period of four years (2017-2020). This subsidy aimed to enable Clingendael to contribute to independent opinion forming and to the national and international (especially European) debate in the field of international relations from a Dutch perspective. Clingendael used the subsidy for supporting its communication on a wide variety of themes (e.g. the European Union, peace and security, conflict and migration, etc.) through various channels (e.g. seminars, policy briefs, magazine, media appearances, etc.). Some of the key conclusions included the following: * Clingendael has certainly realized the abovementioned overall grant objective. The size of the subsidy relates well to the results achieved, although the most important results have also been achieved through other means – the public platform function only constituting a limited part of Clingendael’s think tank function. * The activity subsidy has stimulated Clingendael’s recent transformation process and has contributed to the institute’s external orientation and profile. Clingendael''''''''''''''''s national and international authority has increased, although there remains much room to improve its international profile. * The subsidy has been flexibly and efficiently managed, with the activity mix constantly being adapted to current events and interests. Clingendael has managed to fit in well with the politicized debate on international affairs, within the Netherlands and internationally. ADE formulated several key recommendations for MFA (grantor), including: * As good results were achieved, the subsidy for Clingendael''''''''''''''''s public platform function should be continued at at least the same level. * MFA should develop a clear vision on the role of Clingendael as a Dutch think tank in the field of European and foreign policy. In addition, ADE made suggestions for organizational reform, strategic consultations and integration of financing. ADE formulated several key recommendations for Clingendael (grantee), including: * Clingendael should develop a strategic vision on the relationship with MFA and elaborate on the central role of the public platform function in relation to other funding, including possible areas of tension. * While maintaining the necessary flexibility, Clingendael should guard against an excessive broadening of subjects, as this would be at the expense of innovation and depth.


Project Details
Country NETHERLANDS
Start date 2020.07.07
End date 2020.10.15
Client Dutch Ministry
Sector EVALUATION
Sub-sector Project/Program
Ref. ADE A556-049