A report on the state of Finnish science diplomacy and development needs provides a broad overview of science diplomacy globally and discusses key arenas and actors relevant to Finland. The report identifies current challenges and discusses the potential of anticipatory approaches to developing strategic actorness.

According to the report a more goal-oriented harnessing of science diplomacy is an opportunity for Finland to strengthen the interface between science and foreign relations, the export of Finnish know-how, growth and innovations, and to offer new opportunities at the global level to solve common challenges. The importance of science diplomacy has become stronger in international relations and the coordination of science diplomacy as well as the dialogue between major actors in science diplomacy should be strengthened, both nationally and internationally.

International cooperation on climate change management and the achievement of sustainable development goals are important themes also in the field of science diplomacy, states the analysis. In the report science diplomatic networks are examined with case studies of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Panel on Biodiversity (IPBES).

The report was prepared jointly by Frisky & Anjoy and the Finnish Academy of Sciences and it was conducted and published as part of the implementation of the Government Plan for Analysis, Assessment and Research.

The report is available here (in Finnish, with a summary in English)