Emerging Technologies, STI Diaspora and Science Diplomacy in India: Towards a New Approach

Area of Science:

• Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy
• International Relations
• Diaspora Engagement

Background:

• Countries leverage diaspora expertise, especially scientific, for national development.
• Science Diplomacy is increasingly used to engage scientific diaspora, but requires tailored strategies.
• India actively engages its scientific diaspora and is a leader in global Science Diplomacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine India's scientific diaspora engagement strategies.
• To identify the absence of a Science Diplomacy dimension in current initiatives.
• To propose an approach for utilizing Science Diplomacy to enhance diaspora engagement for mutual benefit.

Main Methods:

• Critical examination of India's diaspora engagement initiatives.
• Analysis of international best practices and recent developments in Science Diplomacy.
• Development of a framework integrating Science Diplomacy with emerging technologies (e.g., AI, quantum tech).

Main Results:

• India's current strategies lack a distinct Science Diplomacy focus.
• A proposed framework emphasizes Science Diplomacy as a facilitator for diaspora engagement.
• The framework positions the diaspora as both contributors and stakeholders, enabling a paradigm shift.

Conclusions:

• Science Diplomacy can significantly enhance India's engagement with its scientific diaspora.
• Involving the diaspora as stakeholders, not just experts, is crucial for sustainable development.
• A synergistic approach using Science Diplomacy can optimize national STI ecosystems and development goals.