Recent Developments in STI Diplomacy in the Republic of Mauritius

Abstract

AbstractThe Republic of Mauritius is striving to become an innovation driven economy. For this, international collaboration in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is crucial especially given its vulnerabilities as a Small Island Developing State. This has given rise to the need for STI diplomacy. This desktop study presents recent developments in STI diplomacy in Mauritius through a stock taking and critical analysis of recent initiatives, and attempts to demonstrate how the innovation component was brought in this context. New or consolidated partnerships with countries like India and France, and international instances like the European Union have led to new infrastructure, enhanced mobility of researchers, internationalization of Higher Education as well as to new programs in specific fields such as SMART Agriculture. The support of the High Commission of Australia to boost women's participation in science and the international support for Mauritius to face an ongoing ecological disaster are further examples. A new dimension to traditional Science Diplomacy is the introduction of innovative measures to attract local innovators and give them access to the larger international market. The potential of STI diplomacy needs to be strengthened for international collaboration responding to innovation needs, and with a higher participation of industry.KeywordsInternational CollaborationSTI DiplomacyPartnershipsInnovation