Diplomacy for the 21st Century Embedding a Culture of Science and Technology Throughout the Department of State (2015) / Chapter Skim
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2 A Rapidly Changing World
2 A Rapidly Changing World
Pages 21-42
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capabilities of the United States. These capabilities provide the department with many opportunities to promote a variety of the interests of the United States and its allies in a rapidly changing world wherein S&T are important drivers of economic development at home and abroad and help ensure international security.
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For example, China, Brazil, India, and other middle income countries have significantly increased their investments in research and technology development in many sectors to support their aspirations for economic growth, social progress, and political influence. Clearly, the United States should take
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In short, companies interested in international trade cannot ignore relevant technical activities carried out in other countries (National Science Board, 2014; Industrial Research Institute, 2013)
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At the core of the rising global interest in S&T are new opportunities for nations to advance their economies and provide better livelihoods for their populations. In industrial and middle-income countries, innovative achievements at home often lead to improved economic competitiveness abroad.
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The United States remains the leading nation in terms of military capabilities and economic prowess. But globalization has produced rising powers with capabilities that rival those of the United States.
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• U.S.-Indonesia, 2014: Artificial Intelligence; Big Data; Biomaterials / Bioenergy; Ethno-Botany / Tropical Medicine; Natural Disaster Mitigation; Omics / Genomics. • U.S-Israel, 2013: Cellular Proteostasis; Cosmic Explosions; Cyber-Security; Global Change and the Future of Biodiversity; Neural Circuits, Synaptic Plasticity and the Brain Basis of Memory; Nanophotonics and the Art of Invisibility; Renewable Energy; Systems Immunology.
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For example, as shown in Box 2-5, the prestigious award for game-changing engineering achievements, the Charles Stark Draper Prize, in 2012, 2013, and 2014 was shared by U.S. engineers and colleagues in other countries working on common problems.
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However, with the spread of S&T capabilities reaching many countries, a growing number of talented foreign students and young researchers at U.S. universities and research centers are increasingly returning home where suitable laboratories and other facilities often await their arrival.
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national security and diplomatic goals in an international system being shaped by the dynamism of globalization will require novel strategies and approaches that recognize the potential impact of S&T as a tool of diplomacy. Spreading the benefits of effective use of technical innovations, while reducing the dangers of inappropriate uses of technologies, requires unprecedented international cooperation.
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As the breadth and rate of technological advancements increase, related foreign policy considerations change diplomatic agendas. The department has a continuing need for access to technical expertise and to evidence-supported advice as never before.
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A number of department officials, and particularly those involved in foreign trade, as well as representatives of many U.S. companies would like to see other countries strengthen their technical capabilities, which in time would lead to new marketing opportunities for U.S.
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government agencies, and the U.S. nongovernmental sector, as well as many United Nations agencies and relevant organizations in other countries, frequently conduct assessments of S&T-related developments that are bringing to the foreground new challenges for foreign policy.
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When necessary, tentative findings could be supplemented with classified reports. The Policy Planning Staff, with direct and continuing access to the Secretary and other leaders of the department concerning formulation and adjustments of foreign policy, is ideally positioned to ensure that the findings and conclusions of well-defined foresight assessments receive prompt and serious consideration for supporting, transforming, or establishing important elements of the nation's foreign policy.
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Then small working groups could be quickly established to meet with appropriate department officials, alert them to the foreign policy implications of newly developing S&T advances, and determine whether the department would benefit from more detailed discussions or reports on the topic. Of course, the Secretary and other senior officials of the department have access to a wide range of S&T experts throughout the department and from other departments and agencies when they need technical advice in addressing urgent issues.
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Too often the emphasis was on large meetings involving all committee members with little attention given to small working groups that included not only committee members but also other independent experts and government officials. The approach supported by this committee should overcome the major weaknesses of previous efforts to obtain authoritative advice.
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However, the department gives little attention to how S&T engagement not only provides opportunities for American scientists and their foreign colleagues to advance professionally but frequently also indirectly encourage other governments to adopt principles embraced by responsible scientists. In general, S&T professionals are committed to internationally accepted principles of responsible research and evidence-based decision making.
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ICSU also has 121 National Scientific Bodies covering science activities of 141 countries. A nongovernmental network that emphasizes both coordination of national and international policies to advance science and the conduct of study efforts to this end is the InterAcademy Partnership.
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foreign policy of bilateral networks engagement established at the initiative of U.S. scientific and educational institutions across boundaries are as follows:
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government intelligence official: "Technological developments hold enormous potential for dramatic improvements in individual health, employment, productivity, global communications, and investments. Technology will continue to be a catalyst for the rapid emergence of changes difficult to anticipate or prepare for; these forces can test the strength of governments and potentially jeopardize U.S.
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And in the midst of such dramatic reconfiguring of the global landscape that are increasingly recognized by the global community, the biological revolution that is only now unfolding will affect the lives of populations of all countries. The department has no alternative to embracing S&T as keys to opening new roads to prosperity and peace, while adequately recognizing the implications in changing the forces of nature.
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2015. Charles Stark Draper Prize for Engineering.
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Access April 1, 2015. World Health Organization.
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