本研究運用深度訪談法，以臺灣的智庫為研究對象，並輔以非臺灣的智庫之經驗，旨在探討智庫的經營策略產出型態的模式。研究者首先從「全球政策智庫指數報告」選取臺灣46家智庫，分析這些機構的智庫功能，並對智庫進行分類。接著，蒐集3家臺灣地區經濟事務財團法人智庫和1家美國華盛頓地區智庫研究機構之經驗資料，理解其組織願景、價值、年度計畫規劃、與政府職能相關之政策面合作方式、政策議題設立、輿情監控機制與回應、協助政府政策決策等。
研究發現：1.政策本身的屬性具有高度的價值判斷，因此，智庫的「政策擬定與諮詢」功能與宗旨依據價值與目的不同，針對同一政策會有不同的研易過程與結果；2.因為前述，智庫必須進行政策性質的研究報告，並將政策報告轉為社會大眾可以了解的論述；3.智庫的屬性(主要區分為財政來源的差異)，相當大決定了智庫本身的獨立性與否；4.除了政策研議外，智庫依據現今社會需要建構「知識平台」，做為政策倡議與溝通的介面；最後，5.公共決策過程的一般順序是：智庫—媒體—國會—政府(行政當局)—政策確定。在這個過程中，智庫往往扮演著決策源頭的政策倡議和輿論引導的功能。
This study takes Think Tank in Taiwan as the research object for discussing the current situation of them, and explaining their operation and modes of knowledge output. The researcher, firstly, selected 46 Think Tanks in Taiwan from the "global go to think tank index report" to analyze their functions and attributes. Then, the researcher used in-depth interviews to collect data from 4 key persons. Finally, the analysis data is used to understand the organization of the Think Tank, knowledge output, the interaction of the external environment, and assisting evaluation of public policy.
Main findings are as follows: 1.The nature of the policy itself has a high value judgment, therefore, the function and purpose of the "policy formulation and consultation" of the Think Tank are different according to the value and purpose, and there will be different research and development processes and results for the same policy; 2.As mentioned above, Think Tanks must conduct research reports on the nature of the policy, and turn the policy reports into statements that can be understood by the general public; 3.The attributes of Think Tanks (mainly distinguished by differences in financial sources), determine their independence; 4.In addition to policy discussions, Think Tanks build a "knowledge platform" based on the needs of a society as an interface for policy initiatives and communication; 5.The public decision-making process includes: “Think Tank” to “The Media” to “Administrative Authority” and to “Policy Determination”. In this process, Think Tanks often play the key role of policy initiatives and public opinion guidance at the source of decision-making.
