Science, Technology and Innovation Diplomacy in Developing Countries : Perceptions and Practice

This book provides a developing country perspective on the internationalization of science and the role of Science, Technology and Innovation Diplomacy (STID) in leveraging scientific cooperation for sustainable development. In articles by individuals from government departments and academic & research institutions in nine developing countries, it provides a conceptual understanding of the subject and reveals the prevailing perceptions on its praxis/practices. The articles highlight the significance of international cooperation at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels and the need for strengthening the role of STID in foreign policy and strategies of governments.

The book is a useful reference material to government officials, diplomats,academicians, researchers, science counsellors, international relations experts, science and technology professionals and other stakeholders from the developing countries and transition economies, dealing with economic and developmentalpolicy issues and/or science, technology and innovation (STI) issues in understanding the praxis and prospects of STID. The book is also useful for scholars and international relations experts from developed countries in understanding STI and related issues that affect the relationship of developing countries and transition economies with their partners from the developed world. ​

Venugopalan Ittekkot is a retired Professor of Biogeochemistry. In his capacity as the Director of Research Institutions at the Universities of Hamburg and Bremen he was involved in the initiation of several marine research and capacity development programs under Germany’s bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation with developing countries. Leveraging international cooperation for development has been a key element of these scientific programs. He has been advising and contributing to the work of ocean-related national and international agencies including the NAM S&T Centre.

Jasmeet Kaur Baweja is Programme Officer at the Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre) which is an intergovernmental organization engaged in the promotion of South-South Cooperation in Science and Technology. She is a part of the team implementing the Centre’s various scientific activities, including international workshops and training courses, collaborative projects, fellowship schemes and publication of books, monographs and state-of-the art reports. Ms. Kaur holds a bachelor’s degree in Botany (Hons), master’s degree in Natural Resources Management and a postgraduate diploma in Environmental Law and Policy.