Science and technology diplomacy: a framework at the national level

The rapid technological transformations of recent decades have profoundly reshaped societies globally, making science and technology indispensable for national development and governance. In this evolving landscape, Science and Technology Diplomacy (STD) emerges as a critical, novel field at the intersection of public policy and technology management. This paper aims to provide an overview of the STD concept, dissecting it through its dual approaches—“Science and Technology" and "Diplomacy”—to underscore its burgeoning importance. Specifically, it highlights the necessity of STD for Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) member countries in leveraging scientific advancements to achieve foreign policy objectives and navigate the complexities of international relations.

Policymakers in foreign affairs and science/technology, academic researchers in international relations, public policy, and technology management, particularly those in Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries.

This academic paper meticulously explores Science and Technology Diplomacy (STD), an increasingly vital domain in public policy and technology management. The study's primary objective is to define and frame STD, particularly emphasizing its relevance and necessity for Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries. Employing a robust thematic analysis methodology, supported by MAXQDA software and fuzzy Delphi techniques, the research systematically identifies six core areas and twenty-nine sub-domains of STD. It elucidates STD as a confluence of political, economic, legal, social sciences, philosophical, and scientific-technological perspectives, each contributing distinct mechanisms to its operation. The paper differentiates STD from general science and technology cooperation by its explicit intent to align science and technology capabilities with foreign policy goals, and vice versa. It examines two main approaches: the "Science and Technology Oriented Approach," which uses scientific rationality for diplomatic engagement, and the "Diplomacy Oriented Approach," which leverages S&T as a source of soft power. The authors underscore STD's role as a strategic instrument for national development, gaining international authority, fostering a knowledge-based economy, and pursuing national interests, especially critical for countries like Iran in a competitive global landscape and during periods of sanctions. The findings offer a comprehensive, interdisciplinary framework for policymakers and researchers to develop effective strategies and assess national capacities within this nascent yet pivotal field.