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3 A Whole-of-Society Approach in Incorporating Science and Technology into 21st Century Diplomacy
Pages 43-56

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From page 43...
... , academic institutions, private companies, nongovernmental organizations, and other institutions play significant roles in international activities. At the same time, private foundations are becoming a more important force than ever before in determining the direction and character of U.S.-based international programs.
From page 44...
... The need for effective and less burdensome coordination of interagency interests -- including attention to the excessive frequency of lengthy meetings -- has grown dramatically during the past decade, thus underscoring the continuing importance of earlier concerns. However, as noted in Chapter 1 of this report, existing legislation requires the department to continue to play a central role in many interagency activities although there may be opportunities to shift some administrative responsibilities to willing government partners.
From page 45...
... Further, agencies may have overlapping legislative requirements, thus confusing leadership roles within the government. Also, there may be significant disparities in available personnel and financial resources in different agencies and private-sector organizations that are important in addressing problems of broad interest, thereby unintentionally tilting the overall approach in favor of the interests of the best-endowed advocates.
From page 46...
... Recently NSF has teamed with USAID in supporting parallel research activities of investigators from the United States and the developing countries (PEER Program) , and this approach has expanded to include USAID teaming with a variety of other U.S.
From page 47...
... In larger embassies with significant S&T activities across the interagency spectrum, Ambassadors at times create informal S&T clusters of representatives from all relevant agencies under the Science Counselor if a Counselor is in place. The Deputy Chief of Mission, assisted by the ESTH officer, often informs the embassy staff of ongoing activities to ensure coordination is appropriate.
From page 48...
... Thus the department should give greater attention to identifying correlations between effective IPR systems of specific countries of interest and private sector investments in innovation as well as technology uptake in these countries. Empirical research, including case studies, would carry considerable weight in promoting IPR systems and Bayh-Dole technology transfer paradigms that serve the interests of both the United States and countries of interest.
From page 49...
... This recommendation focuses on DOD's international activities that overlap with interests of the department. Of course, the department should also coordinate with many other agencies; but the extent and foreign policy implications of DOD activities are indeed profound.
From page 50...
... strengthening the biological research infrastructure in a number of countries with support by the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program carried out by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, (c) and global disease surveillance that is coordinated with the international surveillance programs of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as with the department's Biological Engagement Program.
From page 51...
... Either their organizations do not hesitate to cover costs or they find the funding elsewhere to participate in events that enhance their professional credentials. Recommendation 3-6 The S&T Adviser to the Secretary, in consultation with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, should stay abreast of the activities of S&T-oriented committees and panels established by components of the Executive Office of the President and should help ensure that the department is appropriately represented when current and future international dimensions of research and development activities are discussed.
From page 52...
... For decades, the department has played an active role, and often a lead role, at the highest levels of government in the formulation, coordination, and implementation of policies that are at the core of near-term international security and other important foreign policy objectives. The department has undertaken similar roles in other policies with S&T dimensions as well, such as in development of international economic policies.
From page 53...
... They cite a gathering organized by OES in 2012 of over 120 agency officials that provided an excellent opportunity to discuss common international interests and concerns throughout the government. Finally, OES often convenes countryspecific interagency meetings in connection with activities of bilateral joint commissions and at times organizes coordination meetings in preparation for other interactions with representatives of specific countries.
From page 54...
... Many department bureaus and offices are in contact with universities and other private sector entities on a regular basis, often supporting S&T-oriented grants and contracts for specific projects of mutual interest. The bureaus involved in public diplomacy have long had extensive relationships with the academic and other nongovernmental communities.
From page 55...
... Yet through strategic partnerships involving both public and private sector entities, America's scientists and diplomats can frequently provide a broad array of needed know-how that helps transform well-developed policy into successful action on a solid footing. END NOTES Defense Innovation Marketplace.


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