Science Diplomacy's New European Structure: Future Trials and Benefits
Professor Jean-Christophe Mauduit, an Associate Professor of Science Diplomacy at University College London (UCL), and Professor Stéphanie Balme, the Director of Sciences Po-CERI/CNRS, are set to lead a discussion on the role of science diplomacy in the European Union's (EU) global strategy.
The discussion, taking place at Sciences Po-CERI/CNRS, is expected to delve into the key challenges facing the EU in science diplomacy, such as enhancing diplomatic engagement, building common understanding, developing governance and institutional capacity, and fostering cooperation amid geopolitical tensions. Other challenges include managing competition in research systems and sustaining trust in international research collaborations.
Opportunities for the EU in science diplomacy are numerous. It serves as a strategic tool to foster cross-border cooperation, innovation, and problem prevention, going beyond mere problem-solving. The EU Science Diplomacy Alliance (EUSDA), active since 2021, provides a platform for coordination, capacity building, and dialogue among stakeholders, enabling the EU to address diverse societal challenges through science-based collaboration.
Training initiatives and workshops, such as those in Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe, promote skills development and inclusive governance models, helping to institutionalize science diplomacy within the EU's foreign policy toolkit.
Science diplomacy contributes to the EU’s new global strategy in several ways. It strengthens Europe’s position in the global research and innovation landscape through trusted, collaborative partnerships that bridge geopolitical divides and foster shared values in research culture. It also serves as a means to build resilience and address transboundary problems like climate change, ocean science issues, and emerging global risks by harnessing scientific expertise in multilateral diplomacy.
Lastly, science diplomacy informs and shapes foreign policy objectives with scientific evidence, enhancing the EU’s capacity to navigate volatile international relations while promoting sustainable development and innovation. Integrating science diplomacy into the EU’s global strategy thus enhances its diplomatic agility and capacity to address complex global challenges through science-informed, multilateral cooperation embedded in shared values and innovation.
Professor Jean-Christophe Mauduit is associated with UCL's Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP), while Professor Stéphanie Balme is associated with CNRS. The organiser of the discussion is Professor Stéphanie Balme from Sciences Po-CERI/CNRS, who is also organising the event at Sciences Po-CERI/CNRS.
This discussion promises to be a significant step forward in understanding the role of science diplomacy in shaping the EU's global strategy and addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century.
- The discussion, led by Professors Jean-Christophe Mauduit and Stéphanie Balme, will explore the role of science diplomacy in the European Union's (EU) global strategy at Sciences Po-CERI/CNRS.
- The EU Science Diplomacy Alliance (EUSDA), a platform facilitating coordination and dialogue among stakeholders, emerges as a valuable tool in addressing diverse societal challenges through science-based collaboration.
- The event, organised by Professor Stéphanie Balme from Sciences Po-CERI/CNRS, aims to be a significant step forward in understanding the role of science diplomacy in shaping the EU's global strategy and addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century.
- The discussion will delve into enhancing diplomatic engagement, building common understanding, developing governance and institutional capacity, fostering cooperation amid geopolitical tensions, and managing competition in research systems as key challenges in EU science diplomacy.
