Strengthening links between science and technology experts and frontline diplomats to address science diplomacy challenges
| Published date | 01 November 2024 |
| Author | Blake Su,Jean‐Christophe Mauduit,Douglas Momberg,Lee E. Voth‐Gaeddert |
| Date | 01 November 2024 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1111/1758-5899.13418 |
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Global Policy. 2024;15:92 8–93 6.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/gpol
1 | SCIENCE, INNOVATION,
AND DIPLOMATS
The transdisciplinary field of “science diplomacy”
has continued to gain attention from governments,
diplomats, think tanks, and academic institutions as
an important domain to advance nationa l and global
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) priorities (Flink & Schreiterer, 2010; Mauduit
& Gual Soler, 2020; Royal Society; AAAS, 2 010;
Tur ek ia n, 2018). This includ es an increased focus from
existing organizations and institutions (e.g., RAND
Corporation (Bouey et al., 2022), Brookings Institute
(Ha jja r, 2016; Lord & Turekian, 2009)) as well as the
establishment of new institutions (e.g., Leadership,
Diplomacy, and National Security Lab at Arizona State
University or the Krach Institute of Tech Diplomacy at
Purdue University). Furthermore, official foreign minis-
tries such as the US Department of State (DOS) have
“stood up” new Special Envoys or Offices to help the ir
diplomatic organization to be more effective within spe-
cific topics (e.g., U.S. Special Envoy for Critical and
Emerging Technology).
This increase in attention has come from both a re-
action to critical, STEM- based, national and global
priorities as well as a refinement of the science diplo-
macy field itself. Building on previous work from the
US National Academies of Science (National Research
Council, 1999), the AAAS- RS 2010 report defined an
operating framework for science diplomacy, introduc-
ing in particular “science in diplomacy” and noting the
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Strengthening links between science and technology
experts and frontline diplomats to address science
diplomacy challenges
BlakeSu1,2 | Jean- ChristopheMauduit3 | DouglasMomberg4 |
Lee E.Voth- Gaeddert1,5
Received: 23 May 20 24
|
Revise d: 17 July 2024
|
Accep ted: 18 July 2024
DO I: 10 .1111/17 58- 589 9.13 418
© 2024 Durham Univer sity and John Wiley & Son s Ltd.
1Leadership, Diplomacy and National
Security la b, Arizona State Universit y,
Washington, DC, USA
2The College of Li beral Arts and Scien ces,
Arizona State Unive rsity, Tempe, Arizona,
USA
3Department o f Science, Technology,
Engineering an d Public Policy, University
College London, London, UK
4SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways
for Health Research Unit, Department
of Paediatrics an d Child Health, Schoo l
of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health
Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand,
Soweto, South Africa
5Biodesign Center for Health Through
Microbiome s, Arizona State Universit y,
Tempe, Arizona, USA
Correspondence
Lee E. Voth- Gaeddert, Biodesign Institute,
Arizona State Unive rsity, Tempe, AZ,
USA.
Email: lee.gaeddert@asu.edu
Abstract
The boundaries of knowledge within science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) domains are continuously advancing resulting in dynamic
diplomatic applications. These shifting and expanding boundaries have direct im-
plications in foreign policy. However, frontline diplomats have demanding day- to-
day priorities that make it difficult to acquire, retain, and employ cutting edge STEM
knowledge to advance national interests to their full potential. To aid in this objec-
tive, diplomatic institutions utilize STEM domain experts and traditional dissemina-
tion routes to support diplomatic personnel in STEM diplomacy issues. Routes
commonly used include reports, briefings, trainings, and consultations. However,
these routes may not always align with the timelines, workflows, and information
systems used by frontline diplomats serving overseas. While many organizations
focus on innovation within science diplomacy topics, opportunity also exists in in-
novation around linking experts with diplomats. Here we examine current linking
approaches used to connect STEM experts and information with frontline diplo-
mats to advance national interests. We utilize the US diplomatic network as an
example to categorize current information flows and linking approaches. We then
provide examples of common, underutilized, and alternative approaches. Our aim
is to provide a clearer understanding of common linkages between STEM expert
knowledge and frontline diplomats while highlighting potential alternatives.
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