Science Diplomacy Case Study: The Boston Innovation Ecosystem and its Science & Technology Diplomatic Circle (S&TDC)

Abstract

This fifth synthesis with the Science Diplomacy Action serial is the product of a capstone project for the Masters of Law and Diplomacy (MALD) degree through the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University that was completed in July 2020. This capstone project focuses on the diplomatic missions of 65+ nations in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, that have been operating collectively as the Science & Technology Diplomatic Circle (S&TDC) within the larger innovation ecosystem of Boston since 2013. Lessons of science diplomacy as an holistic (international, interdisciplinary and inclusive) process are illustrated with the S&TDC Boston, noting the large number of diplomatic missions in a city that is different than capitol of the nation. These local-global lessons with the S&TDC Boston reflect the jurisdictional spectrum with its subnational, national and international levels that are interconnected on a planetary scale. This capstone project applies an objective methodology, using the public websites of the 65+ diplomatic missions in Boston to generate the data from questions that can be replicated and expanded in other cities with diplomatic missions. These data include details about: continents represented; nations represented; types of consulates; office locations and contacts; website language(s); science diplomacy presence; science attaché; website science innovation; government ministerial representation; profit / non-profit representation; and S&TDC membership. The data are listed, mapped and graphed with interpretations to help reveal options (without advocacy), which can be used or ignored explicitly, respecting the relevant decisionmakers, who are self-defined. Engagement with the S&TDC Boston is represented by the Consul General of Greece in Boston, who stimulated this project, and by the S&TDC Co-Chairs, who have written the Foreword and contributed to the co-authorship of this Science Diplomacy Action synthesis. As noted in the Conclusion: “cultivating a network with strong foundations, Science Diplomacy has the potential to build on synergies and capacities that exist in a way that have a broader reach, not only in Boston but around the globe with a universal application.”