Canada, known for its rich cultural diplomacy, is missing a significant opportunity to bolster its international influence through science diplomacy. While countries like the United States and members of the European Union have integrated scientific collaboration into their foreign policies, Canada’s efforts remain fragmented and largely overlooked.
Historically, international scientific cooperation has been pivotal in advancing knowledge. From Galileo and Copernicus’s groundbreaking work in the 17th century to the establishment of the National Research Council of Canada in 1916, science has often crossed borders, contributing to both global progress and national interests. Yet, Canada seems to have lost momentum in embedding science diplomacy within its broader diplomatic strategy.
In recent years, the concept of science diplomacy has evolved, emphasizing its dual role: leveraging science for diplomatic relations and using diplomacy to foster scientific collaboration. This was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where global cooperation in vaccine development highlighted the critical need for timely and accurate scientific data sharing. However, despite these lessons, Canada has yet to develop a cohesive strategy for science diplomacy.
Unlike the U.S., which has a dedicated office for science diplomacy within the White House and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) actively supporting these efforts, Canada lacks a central mechanism to coordinate its scientific endeavors on the global stage. The European Union has also made significant strides in aligning its research and innovation strategies with its diplomatic objectives, ensuring that its scientific community’s work is both supported and informed by the latest scientific evidence.
In 2020, Global Affairs Canada attempted to develop a strategic approach to science diplomacy but ultimately settled for a modest policy framework. The resulting document was less a roadmap for integrating science into diplomatic efforts and more a summary of existing international scientific collaborations across Canadian government departments. This outcome reflects a missed opportunity to elevate Canada’s scientific profile internationally.
One of the key challenges is the tendency to view science diplomacy primarily through the lens of trade promotion. While trade is a crucial aspect of international relations, science diplomacy encompasses a broader spectrum, including cultural and development diplomacy. A more comprehensive approach would showcase Canada’s scientific achievements alongside its cultural exports, thereby enhancing its soft power and global standing.
Moreover, by fostering scientific collaborations with developing nations, Canada can play a vital role in global development. Supporting countries with emerging scientific capabilities not only helps these nations advance but also aligns with Canada’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 17, which emphasizes global partnerships.
However, achieving this requires overcoming internal bureaucratic hurdles. Global Affairs Canada’s internal divisions—political/cultural, trade/economic, and development—often operate in silos, hindering cross-functional collaboration. This structural issue is exacerbated by lingering sentiments from the merger of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, which some staff view as a loss of autonomy.
For Canada to truly capitalize on the potential of science diplomacy, it needs a more strategic, integrated approach. This would involve not only promoting Canadian science and research on the world stage but also using these assets to support broader diplomatic objectives. By doing so, Canada can enhance its international influence, contribute to global challenges, and strengthen its role as a leader in scientific innovation.
In an increasingly competitive global landscape, where scientific advancements often underpin diplomatic relations, Canada cannot afford to be left behind. Embracing a more structured and proactive science diplomacy strategy could significantly bolster its standing and impact on the world stage.
