Disrupting the Think Tank Model
The Center on Labor, Learning & Industry in a Digital Economy [COLLIDE] generates innovative, data-driven solutions to engages thought leaders in enlightened public debate. Founded through a partnership of businesses, academic institutions and thought leaders, this think-do tank offers fresh perspectives that provide citizens, policymakers, change agents and business leaders with the tools and educational resources to improve communities, foster strategic partnerships and create opportunities for transformative, sustainable interventions. The COLLIDE method simultaneously democratizes and revolutionizes the sources of data by removing certain galvanizing assumptions. We have three focus areas:
a) Public Policy Issues—Generation of Evidence-Based Data & Market Research on Disenfranchised Populations for use by policymakers, activists and change agents
b) Disparity Analysis—Pricing Differences by Communities, Education Gaps, Workforce Development and the Labor Shortage
c) The Digital Economy—How the Digital Economy changes the Success Architecture for Industry, Small Business, & Politics from Branding to Disruptive Technologies to the Internet of Things
Our Strategies
We will use three strategies to fulfill our mission
• Innovative Scholarship—Position papers, policy proposals and conferences that uncover pragmatic and radical solutions to today’s pressing problems
• Market Research–High quality research about issues forgotten by traditional think tanks and research outlets
• Youth Engagement–Training the Next Generation of Thinkers Through Frontline Activism
Our History
The project was the brainchild of Alva Baker, CEO of Baker Consulting Associates, LLC, one of the oldest African American consulting firms in the nation dating back to 1984. Having originally made her mark as the go-to public involvement subcontractor, Alva envisioned a BCA Research Institute that would focus on understanding the people and the problems she engaged with everyday. She tasked Chief Information Officer Will Baker as the architect of the Research Institute. Will identified allies, scholars, activists and partners leading to the creation of the Center on Labor, Learning & Industry in a Digital Economy.
Become a Fellow
We offer cooperative fellowships that help individuals get their message out and expand their platform. Do you need help with building a wider base for your scholarship? Contact us for an application.
Disruption
Our dynamic approach marries cost-effectiveness, reasonable publication expectations and a commitment to research over presumed truths.
Amazing Results
When people receive data-driven information focused on proof over judgement, it is a chance for us to listen and learn rather than divide and deride.