Science Diplomacy in Action: Theoretical and Strategic Framework

In a world that is simultaneously fragmented and deeply interdependent, science and diplomacy are no longer parallel spheres. Today, they are interconnected dimensions of international politics, innovation and economic competitiveness.

The strategic document “Science Diplomacy in Action”, developed by SPOT Nordic, begins with a simple question: what is science diplomacy? From this starting point, the document explores the concept, its historical evolution and, above all, its strategic value in the current geopolitical context.

What is Science Diplomacy?

Science diplomacy refers to the set of interactions that connect scientific knowledge, international cooperation and diplomatic action. It is not merely about science supporting political decision-making, nor solely about diplomacy facilitating scientific projects. Rather, it is an ecosystem where knowledge, strategic interests and global governance intersect.

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The document structures this reality into three complementary dimensions:

• Science in diplomacy – when scientific evidence informs international policy decisions;

• Diplomacy for science – when diplomatic instruments enable international scientific cooperation;

• Science for diplomacy – when scientific cooperation becomes a tool for strengthening relations between countries.

Why is it so relevant today?

The current global landscape is marked by geopolitical tensions, strategic dependencies, technological competition and transnational challenges that no country can address alone.

We live in a scenario of political fragmentation combined with profound scientific and economic interdependence. In this context, science diplomacy plays structural roles:

• Reducing uncertainty in environments of low political trust;

• Keeping channels of dialogue open when diplomatic relations are strained;

• Creating shared standards and metrics essential to addressing global challenges;

• Building international influence through scientific reputation and institutional networks.

It is also important to recognize that science diplomacy is at a turning point. Initially understood as a largely neutral mechanism of cooperation, it is now clearly strategic: science and technology are geopolitical assets, and cooperation is increasingly selective and aligned with national interests.

SPOT Nordic as an Applied Case

Within this framework, SPOT Nordic positions itself as a hybrid science diplomacy organization between Portugal and the Nordic countries, operating at the intersection of scientific systems, innovation and foreign policy.

Its intervention materializes through:

• Diversification of funding pathways;

• Promotion of institutional matchmaking;

• Creation of international consortia;

• Translation of scientific evidence into strategic recommendations;

• Strengthening of international visibility and positioning;

• Representation and advocacy of the interests of Portuguese researchers and the broader scientific community in the Nordic countries, promoting their integration into international networks and strategic cooperation instruments.

A concrete example is the project Portugal–Denmark: Science, Innovation and Diplomacy, presented to the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the end of 2025. Through a comparative analysis of the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) systems, the development of policy briefs and the organization of a strategic event, the project aims to establish the foundations for more structured bilateral instruments aligned with European priorities.