Reinventing Diplomacy through Science, Technology and Innovation

The best way to advance America's interests in reducing global threats and seizing global opportunities is to design and implement global solutions using the full range of tools at our disposal – diplomatic, economic, military, political, legal, and cultural – picking the right tool or combination of tools for each situation.An essential element in America's toolbox is our science and technology capability. Countries, regardless of their politics, culture, and worldview, are interested to learn what the United States does to spur science, technology and innovation.The United States, in turn, has much to gain from helping to develop more knowledge and innovation-based societies around the world and from spreading scientific values – like meritocracy and transparency – that support democracy.In addition, science and technology are also crucial for dealing with major challenges facing countries – such as public health, food security, clean energy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, cyber-security and more.Many of these challenges transcend borders and are global concerns.In this era of globalization, the United States can remain at the cutting edge and as a world leader in science and technology only by engaging with the scientific and technical communities elsewhere.Science diplomacy is crucial to achieving this goal.

Frances Colón, Deputy Science & Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State