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Research Projects

Apr 1, 2010 - Mar 31, 2011

Comparative Study of Science and Technology Diplomacy in Europe and the United States

Leader
  • Atsushi Sunami

Behind increasing expectations for science and technology diplomacy, there have been moves to seek new solutions through a different approach to global scientific issues including climate change, food safety, the eradication of poverty and nuclear nonproliferation, in addition to mounting common concerns for all of humanity such as food, water and energy. The scientific values supporting the basis of science and technology diplomacy include universality, rationality and transparency. Therefore, in this form of diplomacy, it is said that people with different cultural and religious values are able to engage in a frank exchange of views in an ideology-free environment. In particular, Europe and the United States are ahead with attempts at science and technology diplomacy. Through a comparison the approaches of the United States and each country in Europe, an effective diplomatic method suitable for Japan will be studied.

Recently in Japan, attempts to relate science and technology with diplomacy have been initiated and methods of approaching cross-border common issues have clearly been set as a form of science and technology diplomacy. In the future, under the concept of an East Asian community, comparative studies focusing on the realization of cooperation between science and technology will be essential in order to solve common problems within Asia, to establish an ideal society model for Asia and to build a peaceful and prosperous society. This project aims to conduct a comparative study on approaches to science and technology diplomacy in Europe and the United States for the establishment of science and technology diplomacy in Japan.