European Innovation Diplomacy:

Analysis and Roadmap

Group Europe
Inn Scid SP 2020, 7 Aug 2020

Disclaimer: The collaborative brainstorming captured in this document and slides presents various points of view and a compilation of key items of information from various sources. This
document does not represent the individual points of view in their entirety of those who contributed to this brainstorming exercise. None of the individuals who contributed to the brainstorming
exercise of InnScidSP2020 Group Europe and compiling of this document and slides can be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Introduction
European discussions on science diplomacy advanced via three projects:

EL-CSID - European Leadership in Cultural, Science and Innovation

Diplomacy;

InsSciDE - Inventing a shared Science Diplomacy for Europe;

S4D4C - Using science for/in diplomacy for addressing a global challenge

Regional and Subregional Innovation Mechanisms
European Research Area, European Higher Education Area, smart specialisation
European Green Deal
Programmes: EU Framework Programmes, Erasmus+, European Regional
Development Fund
Specific areas of Europe have designated forums, strategies and implementation
programmes, e.g., Union for the Mediterranean, EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian
Region, Interreg MED as the example of a funding programme, SciTech DiploHub city-
driven initiative from Barcelona
Besides the EU (27 Member States), other European forums discuss innovation-
related aspects, e.g., 57 participating states from North America, Europe and Asia
assembled by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Gaps
Harmonisation among EU Member States
Performance divide (with Estonia as an exception)
The scaling-up crisis & surviving the “valley of death”
Emphasis on diverse valorisation strategies
Performance indicators
Discontinuity in governmental policies (due to change of government/leadership or
economic crisis)
Roadmap
Following the São Paulo Framework of Innovation Diplomacy, a particular
encouragement is expressed towards fostering innovative solutions for the
management of global public goods.
A balance should be ensured between bottom-up and top-down dimensions. In the
words of Mariana Mazzucato, “research and innovation are not separate to society”
(2019:6).
Suggestions on how to bring the European innovation agenda to the next step from
Mazzucato: co-creation, mission-oriented, coordination of funding schemes, develop
better public procurement policies (quality before price).
Future Pathways (in Place of a Conclusion)
The EU offers various engagement options for Latin American countries and their
institutions that have already proven their potential to deliver mutual benefits.

Ad-hoc challenges should not stand in the way of a strategic approach towards the
long-term orientation of close cooperation.

Following the spirit of the Royal Society’s report “Knowledge, networks and nations”,
economic support and investment in R&D and innovation must be maintained and
even strengthened in times of crisis.

International activities and collaboration must be integrated into national and regional
science and innovation strategies.