Science diplomacy in Northern Europe (SciDiNE)

Evidence-based knowledge and a scientific approach are crucial for designing and implementing effective policies to address current and future challenges. This project aims to investigate the practices recently termed Science Diplomacy (SD) in its regional dimension and scale. The research focuses on regional cooperation and governance systems operating in Northern Europe, encompassing the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) and the European Arctic.

We are convinced there exists a knowledge gap and thus find it essential to seek answers to whether and how science diplomacy can effectively contribute to strengthening regional cooperation and governance. Specifically, we will seek answers to three key questions:

1. Why and how do states and regional organisations in Northern Europe develop their science diplomacy frameworks, and how do they apply them in the regional context?
2. How do regional governance systems utilise state science diplomacy efforts and co-create scientific knowledge within their operational frameworks?
3. What are the outcomes and impacts of science diplomacy on regional development?

Our research focuses on two types of entities in Northern Europe:

• States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, and Sweden.
• Intergovernmental Organizations that co-constitute two interconnected regional governance systems: the Arctic Council (AC), the Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC), the Nordic Council, the Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM), the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (the Helsinki Commission – HELCOM), and the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).

Selecting Northern Europe as the research area was a deliberate decision, as it comprises numerous organisations forming two governance systems. This region showcases diverse national approaches to science diplomacy and faces challenges where science diplomacy may play a significant supportive role. We possess relevant expertise in these areas and have conducted field studies addressing these issues. As a research team, we are well-versed in the state of knowledge regarding our area of interest; therefore, recognising knowledge gaps, we aim to fill them and shed new light on the role of science diplomacy in enhancing global progress.