The concept of think tanks comes from Europe and the US, especially the US, where there are now more than 1000 such bodies. Most of the money for these institutions comes from government agencies or private donations, though the think tanks generally claim that they are not restricted by political or corporate affiliation, and that their operations and research are independent.
「智庫」概念來自歐美，尤其美國智庫更高度發展，總數高達一千多個，資金多來自政府機構或民間贊助，並且標榜不受政黨、財團約束，運作、研究獨立。