In a new working paper, SFIC proposes ideas for integrating more Science Diplomacy into the individual parts of Horizon Europe and across the programme.
The Task Force on Science Diplomacy of the Strategic Forum for International Cooperation (SFIC) presented a new working paper titled “Anchoring Science Diplomacy in Horizon Europe – Developing Specific Subjects and Activities” in late September. The paper complements an input paper published in March this year, which took note of the great Science Diplomacy experience in EU Member States and Associated Countries, but claimed that this capital did not generate enough advantage in Europe. In the following, SFIC proposed several key activities to foster the uptake of Science Diplomacy practices, among them the integration of Science Diplomacy into the new EU Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) International Cooperation Strategy and special measures for Horizon Europe.
The new working paper, developed in cooperation with external experts, now specifically elaborates on the proposed measures for Horizon Europe, acknowledging that Horizon Europe itself is a Science Diplomacy tool with benefits going far beyond the European Union. The paper reflects ideas currently discussed in the Science Diplomacy community rather than detailing potential call topics, and connects them directly with priorities of the EU Commission, such as the European Green Deal, climate, digitalisation, health and security.
The SFIC task force structured its inputs along the architecture of Horizon Europe, proposing different measures for each pillar as well as individual instruments and clusters. On top, they suggest two overarching tools, a ‘Science Diplomacy Booster’ and ‘Capacity Building’. The ‘Booster’ could act as service to projects with potential impact on Science Diplomacy and support training or networking activities for reaching out to broader target groups from a policy-making or diplomatic sphere. With capacity building, the task force proposes to create educational programmes for multi-stakeholder diplomacy activities involving actors of the R&I ecosystem. Secondments of researchers in diplomacy or diplomats in R&I, shall enhance knowledge exchange and a better communication. Such activities are particularly envisaged for the horizontal pillar of ‘Widening participation and strengthening the ERA or within Marie Curie Skłodowska Actions (MSCA).
The activities, which the SFIC task force proposes for the individual Horizon Europe Clusters, orient largely on the topics covered by those clusters. Examples are international cooperation for infectious diseases within the context of the current COVID-19 crisis, or the critical reflection on the topic of ‘power of science, research and innovation in a global competition’ with a focus of understanding the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative for the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society Cluster. Further proposed are space diplomacy activities, cyber science diplomacy or diplomacy activities with respect to the European Green Deal and climate or biodiversity.
SFIC is a dedicated configuration of the European Research Areas and Innovation Committee (ERAC), which facilitates the further development, implementation and monitoring of the international dimension of the European Research Area, with a focus on EU and Member States’ R&I activities outside the EU and Associated Countries. It is an advisory group with representatives from the European Commission, Member States and Associated Countries.