Innovation Diplomacy

Innovation Diplomacy

Innovation diplomacy seeks to promote the strategic insertion of a country into the international Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) scene through the internationalization of its innovation ecosystems and the pursuit of international partnerships focused on technological innovation. In other words, innovation diplomacy uses the tools of diplomacy to strengthen countries' innovation systems and increase their competitiveness in the global arena.

Beyond science diplomacy, which focuses primarily on interaction between academic, scientific institutions, and governments (triple helix model), innovation diplomacy recognizes the importance of government, academia, the private sector, and civil society (quadruple helix model) as key actors in the innovation process. The goal is to bring these diverse sectors closer together to promote technology transfer, encourage the development of technology-based companies, attract research, development, and innovation projects, and create innovative solutions to tackle global challenges and to improve the living conditions of the population. Furthermore, innovation diplomacy is not limited to applied research, but also supports mechanisms that drive progress in basic research. Given the complexity of innovation processes, innovation diplomacy agents must actively participate in networks, aiming to engage, integrate, and constructively connect various actors, such as government, universities, research centers, companies, associations, and other members of the quadruple helix.

Technological innovation is crucial for increasing productivity and fostering sustainable development in the country. Innovation diplomacy, conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, recognizes technological innovation as a strategic national interest of the Brazilian State to achieve its foreign policy objectives. It thus seeks to strengthen the National System of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SNCTI) through actions of international promotion and cooperation, in line with the constitutional precept that "the State shall encourage the development and strengthening of innovation in companies, as well as in other entities, either public or private, the establishment and maintenance of technology parks and hubs and of other environments conducive to innovation, the participation of independent inventors, and the creation, absorption, dissemination, and transfer of technology." (Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Article 219, Sole paragraph).

The internationalization of innovation ecosystems is an important component of innovation diplomacy. It involves connecting domestic innovation ecosystems with the most dynamic and developed ecosystems abroad, allowing Brazilian startups, companies, universities, and other actors in local ecosystems to expand their networks, access new markets, attract investment, and benefit from the exchange of knowledge, awareness of trends, technological routes, and experiences with other countries.

Against this background, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the Innovation Diplomacy Program (PDI) in 2017.

Innovation Diplomacy Program (PDI)

The Innovation Diplomacy Program aims to break stereotypes associated with Brazil’s image abroad and promote the country as a producer of knowledge, products, and services in in cutting-edge technological sectors. PDI brings together technological promotion activities conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ embassies and consulates abroad, guided by three institutional missions:

• Promote the image of Brazil as an innovative nation;
• Foster connections between Brazilian and foreign partners; and
• Engage agents from Brazilian innovation ecosystems in internationalization processes.

The Program is based a knowledge gap between the perception of external agents and Brazil’s actual technological production capacity, which negatively affects the Brazilian economy by hindering the commercialization of technological products and the attraction of investments and talent to the sector. Additionally, various actors within the SNCTI have not yet developed a mindset focused on internationalization, which can result in technological lag and lost economic opportunities.

The existence of a network of 65 embassies and consulates with Science, Technology, and Innovation Sections (SECTECs) provides the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with external reach to facilitate connections, collect information, and produce valuable analyses for the SNCTI. PDI follows a bottom-up approach, in which SECTECs propose activities aligned with the program’s objectives and the strategic planning of their unit. Embassies and consulates without SECTECs can also focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, develop a work plan, and propose and implement activities under the PDI.

While there is no exhaustive list of activities carried out within the Innovation Diplomacy Program, here are some examples:

• Mapping of innovation-promoting environments;
• Market and technology studies;
• Startup missions;
• Cross-incubation programs;
• Media campaigns;
• Matchmaking opportunities.