Science, Technology and Innovation Diplomacy in the Arab Region with Emphasis on the State of Palestine

Abstract

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) diplomacy should be an important and critical part of every nation’s tool kit, whether the country is developing or wealthy, large or small. It requires a structure encompassing the promotion of international science with explicit attention to issues at national, regional and international levels. International STI cooperation is defined from two lenses: to ensure scientific and technological capabilities and advance knowledge, or to advance broader national interests. Recently, Arab countries have begun to understand and explore the role and importance of STI diplomacy for them. This article explores how STI diplomacy is perceived and framed by Arab governments and diplomats in general, and in the State of Palestine in particular. It sheds light on several notable STI diplomacy efforts such as existing regional and international STI networks and partnerships, and highlights latest available statistical figures on STI diplomacy in the region which include key foreign Research and Development collaborators, researchers by field of employment, high-technology exports in manufactured exports, use of social media to boost foreign and public policies, among many others. The paper concludes with a number of strategic recommendations that may be adopted by Arab political communities and governments to boost the STI diplomacy.