Copenhagen Consensus Center

Background

The Copenhagen Consensus Center is a U.S.-based nonprofit think tank dedicated to identifying and promoting cost-effective solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. Founded in 2006 by Dr. Bjørn Lomborg, the Center employs economic analyses to advise policymakers and philanthropists on how to allocate resources for maximum societal benefit. Its mission is to enhance global welfare by prioritizing interventions that offer the highest returns on investment.

Key Strategic Focus

The Center's strategic focus lies in conducting comprehensive cost-benefit analyses across various global issues, including climate change, health, education, and poverty alleviation. By collaborating with leading economists and Nobel laureates, the Center evaluates and ranks potential solutions, guiding decision-makers toward initiatives that provide the greatest impact per dollar spent. This approach aims to inform evidence-based policy decisions and optimize resource allocation.

Financials and Funding

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, the Copenhagen Consensus Center relies on donations and grants to fund its operations. In its initial years, the Center received significant funding from the Danish government. However, in 2012, Denmark withdrew its support, prompting the Center to reestablish itself in the United States. Subsequent funding has come from various private foundations and donors, some of whom prefer to remain anonymous. Notably, the Randolph Foundation contributed $120,000 in 2008 and an additional $50,000 in 2012. In 2013, the Paul E. Singer Foundation granted $200,000 to the Center. The Center maintains a policy of not accepting funding from fossil fuel companies to preserve the integrity of its research.

Pipeline Development

The Center has initiated several key projects to address global challenges:

Copenhagen Consensus Conferences: Held every four years, these conferences bring together economists to evaluate and prioritize solutions to major global issues. The most recent conference, the Post-2015 Consensus in 2015, assessed the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, identifying 19 targets that offer the highest return on investment.

Country-Specific Projects: The Center has conducted in-depth analyses in countries such as Bangladesh, Haiti, and India. These projects aim to identify national priorities and cost-effective interventions tailored to each country's unique context.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The Copenhagen Consensus Center distinguishes itself through its rigorous application of welfare economics and cost-benefit analysis. By synthesizing expert opinions and research, the Center provides a framework for prioritizing solutions based on empirical evidence. This methodology ensures that recommendations are grounded in data-driven analyses, maximizing the effectiveness of proposed interventions.

Leadership Team

Dr. Bjørn Lomborg: Founder and President, Dr. Lomborg is a Danish political scientist and author known for his work on environmental and developmental issues. He previously served as director of the Danish government's Environmental Assessment Institute.

Roland Mathiasson: Executive Vice President, Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer, Mathiasson has been instrumental in the Center's operations and strategic initiatives.

Scott Calahan: Treasurer and Independent Director, Calahan brings financial oversight and governance expertise to the organization.

Loretta Michaels: Member of the Compensation Committee and Independent Director, Michaels contributes to the Center's strategic planning and policy development.

Leadership Changes

In 2012, following the withdrawal of Danish government funding, Dr. Bjørn Lomborg relocated the Center to the United States, reestablishing it as a nonprofit organization. This transition marked a significant shift in the Center's operations and funding structure.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The think tank industry is characterized by organizations that provide research and analysis to inform public policy and decision-making. The Copenhagen Consensus Center operates within this landscape, focusing on cost-benefit analyses to address global challenges. The demand for evidence-based policy recommendations continues to grow, driven by the need for efficient resource allocation in addressing complex global issues.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Brookings Institution: A leading think tank that conducts in-depth research on various policy issues, including economic development and global governance.

Center for Global Development: Focuses on international development and poverty reduction, providing research and policy recommendations to improve global welfare.

World Resources Institute: Specializes in environmental and sustainability issues, offering data-driven analyses to inform policy and practice.

These organizations share a commitment to evidence-based research but may differ in their methodologies and areas of focus.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Copenhagen Consensus Center collaborates with a network of over 300 economists from internationally renowned institutions, including seven Nobel laureates. These partnerships enhance the credibility and depth of the Center's research. Additionally, the Center works with governments, NGOs, and multilateral organizations to disseminate findings and influence policy decisions.

Operational Insights

The Center's decentralized operational model allows it to engage experts worldwide, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise. By leveraging cloud-based services and virtual communication tools, the Center maintains efficiency and flexibility in its operations. This approach enables the organization to adapt to changing global contexts and continue delivering impactful research.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, the Copenhagen Consensus Center aims to expand its country-specific projects, applying its cost-benefit analysis framework to new regions. By identifying and promoting high-impact interventions tailored to local contexts, the Center seeks to influence policy decisions and improve global welfare. Additionally, the Center plans to enhance its outreach and dissemination efforts, ensuring that its research informs a broader audience of policymakers, philanthropists, and stakeholders.