Petrenko I. Think Tanks as subjects of the formation of public policy.

The essence of public policy is conceptualized, its characteristics are determined, the main subjects of public policy are structured, the author’s the concept of "analytical centers" is defined, their functions are identified, the dichotomous approach to the typology of analytic centers is proposed, and the analysis of public policy as a sphere of analytical centers activity is considered. The think tanks in the USA as a functional prototype of contemporary think tanks are analyzed, the peculiarities of the development of think tanks in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia are analyzed, as well as their interaction with political institutions, the specifics of the formation of a system of think tanks in Japan, China and Australia are defined. The peculiarities of institutional design and evolution of analytical centers are conceptualized and analyzed, internal organization of activity of analytical centers as non-profit organizations is researched, interaction of analytical centers with each other, the state and other actors of public policy is considered.