Forming a Think Tank in Georgia is the process of institutionalizing intellectual and analytical activities. Think tanks play a crucial role in shaping public policy, developing democratic processes, and raising public awareness. From a legal perspective, a research organization is most often registered as a Non-Entrepreneurial (Non-Commercial) Legal Entity (NNLE), but its structure and founding documents require a specific approach. Unlike a standard NGO, a think tank's charter must emphasize scientific research, educational, and expert activities. This is necessary not only for legal accuracy but also for receiving specialized grants from international donors and partnering with state agencies. The success of a think tank largely depends on its correct legal design, which ensures academic freedom and administrative transparency.
The Think Tank formation service includes complex legal services tailored to the specifics of policy institutes. Specialists on our platform offer:
- Drafting the organization's charter, including provisions for an advisory board or supervisory board to determine academic direction;
- Outlining intellectual property protection mechanisms in internal regulations (copyrights for research, publications, and analytical materials);
- Setting up legal procedures for grant receipt and administration;
- Preparing employment and service contracts for researchers and experts;
- Consultation on tax exemptions regarding scientific and educational grants;
- Full management of the registration process at the Public Registry.
Establishing a think tank is relevant in many scenarios. For example, a group of economists wants to create an independent institute to monitor economic reforms — they need official status to publish reports and organize conferences. Another example involves security experts establishing a regional security research center and needing a legal basis to receive funding from foreign foundations. It is also common for academic staff to create a think tank based at a university or independently to conduct applied research. Another scenario is founding a sociological research center, which needs to implement strict personal data protection standards and operate legally.
The legal framework relies on the "Civil Code of Georgia" and the "Law on Science, Technologies and Their Development" (if the organization acquires the status of a scientific institute). Primarily, research organizations operate as NNLEs. It is important to consider the "Law on Copyright and Related Rights," as the main product of a think tank is intellectual work. Regarding taxation, the "Tax Code of Georgia" defines the taxation regime for grant income. Specialists help harmonize these laws with your organization's charter and internal bylaws.
The process begins with strategic planning: what type of governance does the organization need? Who will be the founders? The lawyer prepares a charter detailing the directions of research activities. Then, documents are notarized and submitted to the Public Registry. After registration, the lawyer assists the organization in developing internal policy documents (code of ethics, conflict of interest management), which is often a mandatory requirement from Western donors. With the help of a specialist on Legal.ge, you will avoid structural flaws and create a solid foundation for your analytical activities.
Legal.ge is the ideal place to find lawyers who understand the needs of the academic and research sectors. Founding a think tank is more than just registration — it is institution building. Our specialists will help you create a legal environment that fosters the growth of your ideas' influence. Start your think tank's history with Legal.ge.
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