Bereich: Forschungspolitik & Entwicklung

Study on Austrian actors, networks and activities in the field of science diplomacy. Bringing Austrian science diplomacy to the next step: Challenges, state of play and recommendations.

This study examines science diplomacy in Austria. ZSI was commissioned by the BMBWF between February and September 2021 to research how science diplomacy is currently understood and implemented and how the concept can be better anchored and promoted in Austria. Using literature and desktop research, an online survey, interviews and a focus group, this report answers the following key questions: how does the Austrian science diplomacy ecosystem looks like, who are its actors, what are the challenges and how could they be addressed? The complex task of presenting the current practical implementation of science diplomacy was carried out in this study in a survey that includes more than 150 actors and ranks them according to their importance in the system. Interviews with representatives of these organizations revealed that the term is well known. The actors note that they are already carrying out activities in the direction, and are also interested in intensifying this. However, there are concerns about using the term without a specific context. Accordingly, the concept is often not explicitly mentioned in institutional presentations and activities, and practices are often in other contexts. Furthermore, actors in the system are of course aware of each other, but there is no exchange on the topic of science diplomacy in particular. The corresponding (explicit) competencies and financial resources are lacking. This study also includes case studies that look at other countries' approaches: Perspectives from Japan, Finland, and Switzerland on science diplomacy are described. These and outstanding practices from other countries, as well as interviews and findings from a focus group with Austrian stakeholders, inspire five recommendations that conclude the report.

Plumhans, Laure-Anne und Dall, Elke und Schuch, Klaus (2021) Study on Austrian actors, networks and activities in the field of science diplomacy. Bringing Austrian science diplomacy to the next step: Challenges, state of play and recommendations. Technischer Bericht. Wien.

DoI: http://doi.org/10.22163/fteval.2021.527

The study is available in English and German.

The report is also accompanied by an infographic.

AutorInnen: Dall, E., Schuch, K., Plumhans, L.

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• Projekt: Studie zur österreichischen Wissenschaftsdiplomatie

Tags: policy analysis, science diplomacy