Tools of Science Diplomacy in the Triangle of Researcher, Fund Provider, and Bureaucracy: Observations from the United States and Türkiye

Abstract

Countries like France, Italy, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan, and the United States have accelerated their efforts in science diplomacy. The increasing importance of international collaborations in science, which enhance the ability to respond swiftly to global challenges, and the development and improvement of diplomatic relations through scientific cooperation have garnered attention in this field. The global experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted deficiencies in the system and regarding necessary actions, serving as examples for some studies. Current areas of interest in science diplomacy include quantum studies, artificial intelligence, climate change, pandemics, water resources, and sustainability. Meetings where representatives from academia, research centers, public institutions, ambassadors, and science diplomats are becoming more frequent, allowing for mutual understanding and agreement. Considering Türkiye’s geographical location, neighboring relations, and history, it is evident that it has a well-established foreign policy memory for managing various crises. Besides diplomatic experience, the pool of experienced researchers who have studied in strategic fields in different countries over the past century (under the 1416 law grants), TÜBİTAK-funded researchers, and Fulbright scholars have contributed significantly to the international cooperation. The key players in Türkiye’s potential in science diplomacy also include research infrastructures certified under law 6550 (such as DEHUKAM, ODTÜ-MEMS, UNAM, GÜNAM, IBG, SUNUM, and TARLA), universities, and funding institutions like TÜBİTAK, TÜSEB, YTB, and the National Agency. Türkiye has the experienced scientists, strong diplomacy, strong institutions which makes it ready for being a strong actor of science diplomacy in the near future.