Spain is witnessing a notable change in leadership at its leading think tanks, a shift that could reshape the landscape of discussions on key national issues. The new heads of Future Policy Lab, Fundación Avanza, and EsadeEcPol have already announced plans to approach topics like inequality, education, and economic development from a fresh perspective. These changes affect not only the internal workings of the think tanks but also shape public opinion and influence decision-making at the state level.
In recent years, the role of independent research centers in Spain has grown significantly. They have become platforms for debating pressing issues—from housing affordability to education reform. According to El Pais, such organizations are often a source of new ideas for politicians and experts. Importantly, the new leaders of these centers are focusing on a scientific approach and data analysis rather than ideological slogans.
Who’s changing course and why
Future Policy Lab, founded in 2022, recently appointed Javier Carbonell as its new director, an expert on inequality and youth policy. His predecessor, Berna León, now heads Fundación Avanza—a think tank affiliated with PSOE and focused on developing progressive, evidence-based solutions. León notes that his goal is to strengthen international ties and prepare a report on the risks to democracy posed by disinformation.
The Future Policy Lab team has also seen further reshuffling: Javier Soria is now fully focused on developing the Laboratorio de Oportunidades, which addresses issues of social mobility and inequality. This center is supported by organizations such as Fundación Felipe González and the World Inequality Lab, and its researchers include specialists with experience in leading European universities.
New research priorities
EsadeEcPol, part of the Esade business school, has also appointed a new director: Jorge Galindo, who previously served as deputy director, now leads the team. They continue to analyze the impact of economic and social factors on the lives of Spaniards, with special attention to education, housing affordability, and the influence of new technologies on the public sector. Galindo emphasizes that their mission is not just to analyze but to offer concrete solutions for improvement.
A key topic for EsadeEcPol this year will be studying generational differences and seeking ways to make economic growth more equitable. The center is already known for its research on educational reforms that have influenced decisions in regions like Madrid and Navarra. The team includes experts in economics, education, and social policy, enabling a comprehensive approach to analyzing problems.
Shaping public debate
Leadership changes in think tanks come amid growing polarization in Spanish society. The new leaders emphasize that overcoming divisions requires discussing concrete issues rather than engaging solely in ideological debates. This approach is already bearing fruit: research from Future Policy Lab and EsadeEcPol now forms the basis for discussions in the media and among politicians.
Interestingly, many of the new leaders previously worked together on projects related to analyzing inequality in Spain. Their shared experience helps foster dialogue between different political forces and seek compromise. Experts note that it is precisely such independent centers that can offer fresh perspectives on longstanding issues.
The influence of think tanks on policy is becoming increasingly evident. For example, a recent case in which a writer publicly addressed the head of Madrid with criticism of social policy sparked wide public response and became a topic of media discussion. Read more about it in the article about the high-profile speech at the Madrid awards.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in the number of independent research centers that actively participate in public debates. Organizations like the Instituto de Estudios Fiscales in London and Bruegel in Brussels serve as examples for their Spanish counterparts. Competition among think tanks is also growing in the country, fostering new ideas and raising the quality of analysis. Official bodies such as the Bank of Spain and Airef continue to play an important role, but it is the independent centers that often act as catalysts for change in social and economic policy.
