Abstract
Innovation and Industry 4.0 are topical issues in the era of globalization in many countries around the world. The article focuses on the international practice of small states and the role of innovation as a topic of their foreign policy and diplomacy. The article aims to evaluate the position of the innovation theme in the portfolio of typical issues of diplomatic practice. The aim is to find out to what extent the attention is paid to innovation concerning the country’s economic diplomacy and what the prospects for further development are. In the first part, the text will focus on the theoretical definition of the theme of innovation and its anchoring in the diplomacy of small states. The second part introduces the situation from the practice of small states in a broader perspective and brings examples of successful integration of the innovation theme into the strategic plans of small states. The third part maps the contemporary trends and the presence of innovation diplomacy in Czech practice. Attention will be paid mainly to the national level, both from a strategic and instrumental point of view. Using a comparison of successful examples from abroad with the current situation in Czechia, it is possible to identify critical elements that can contribute to a better understanding of the topic by contemporary Czech practice.
Highlights
Science diplomacy and innovation diplomacy and industry 4.0 are nowadays among the most discussed topics
The leading role belongs to the government and in particular, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), which is engaged in innovation and economic diplomacy as well
A privileged position belongs to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT), as innovation is seen in close connection with the international competitiveness of the Czech economy
Summary
Science diplomacy and innovation diplomacy and industry 4.0 are nowadays among the most discussed topics. Foremost the topic of innovation has broad connotations to economic diplomacy, especially to the export promotion as a lot of countries search for their way, how to promote their companies. The competitiveness of these companies and their products is one of the crucial aspects, and that is why it is essential to look and the perspective of the new industrial revolution, which is called Industry 4.0. A particular focus is given to the economic area, economic diplomacy, and the image of the small state, and it's public diplomacy and branding activities To achieve this aim, documentary analysis is used, focused both on literature and on several case studies. The article analyzes the situation in each chosen country, compares all case studies and formulates possible recommendations for the Czech practice
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