Abstract: t This paper uses Web of Science, CNKI, ProQuest, China Digital Library and other websites to collect data of world-renowned think tanks, including academic indicators, popularity indicators, as well as some objective data in 2016. After extensive research, and referencing 2015 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report published by University of Pennsylvania and Global Think Tank Evaluation Report published by Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, this paper selects 169 world-renowned think tanks with the principles of openness, integrity and representativeness. Then we collect data from four perspectives: basic situation, academic influence, popularity, and peer review. This dataset can be used for the analysis and research of famous think tanks around the world, and to assess the current status of think tanks as well as their impact on public policy

Key words: Think tank, Academic indicators, Popularity indicators, 2016