This report provides an overview of science and technology innovation (STI) policy from the perspective of science and technology diplomacy, which is rapidly gaining importance and interest in the midst of changing global circumstances, interactions among nations, international frameworks, and trends in international organizations and forums that operate beyond national boundaries.

Ever since the emergence of modern science in the 17th century, various initiatives have been taken that both promote science and are motivated by diplomatic objectives. These efforts were conceptualized in a report titled "New Frontiers in Science Diplomacy" 1 published in January 2010, based on discussions at an international workshop held by The Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This report described the three pillars of science diplomacy in terms of science in diplomacy, diplomacy for science, and science for diplomacy. Since then, various efforts have been made in science and technology diplomacy through science and technology innovation policies and foreign policies. Most recently, science and technology diplomacy affected by changes in geopolitical situations and the accelerating rate of progress in science and technology are having a dramatic effect on society and politics. Emerging technologies such as AI, quantum technology, semiconductors, and biotechnology are having a large impact as the results of basic research are being implemented in society in a very short time. Science and technology are no longer limited to the traditional objectives of solving social and economic problems, but are now deeply related to politics and national power. Due to the need for science and technology to a ddress not only economic　competitiveness but also global issues such as sustainability, resilience, quality of life, and security, STI policies continue to change while overlapping with industrial, security, and foreign policies, and STI-related organizations around the world are trying to establish science, technology, and innovation ecosystems through various initiatives and collaborations.

In light of these rapid changes in the global situation, the importance of science and technology diplomacy is increasing, and moves to explore new concepts, roles, and initiatives to adapt science and technology diplomacy to the changes that are taking place are gaining momentum. For example, the European Commission is promoting the development of an EU framework for science diplomacy. In January 2024, The Royal Society and AAAS announced in "Science Diplomacy - 15 Years On" 2 that they would be making a year-long review of the three pillars of science and technology diplomacy proposed in 2010 and how they have been applied on various occasions since then, and in February 2025, a new report, "Science Diplomacy in an Era of Disruption" 3 was issued. This report proposed a simplified two-dimensional framework: Science impacting diplomacy--how science engages with diplomatic objectives, and diplomacy impacting science--how diplomacy engages with and influences scientific activities. By simplifying in this way, the aim is to create a more flexible framework that is adaptable to current and future challenges. The three key points for practicing science diplomacy are: (1) science diplomacy is an important tool for promoting international relations, (2) science diplomacy is increasingly being used by non-state actors such as private companies, and (3) science diplomacy is required in times of turmoil. Furthermore, interest in science and technology diplomacy is growing in the Global South, including India and ASEAN countries, and in March 2025, UNESCO is planning a ministerial-level meeting on science and technology diplomacy.

This report updates and expands parts of the "Global Trends in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (2024)" and adds new trends. We hope that this report will help you recognize the growing global importance of science and technology in national strategies and policies from the perspective of science and technology diplomacy, and help you consider what measures Japan should adopt. Since the term "Science and Technology Diplomacy" is commonly used in Japan, while the term "Science Diplomacy" is used in Europe and the United States, this report will treat "Science and Technology Diplomacy" and "Science Diplomacy" in Europe and the United States as one and the same.

Note: Please note that all web references in this report were last verified on the date indicated in each link or one month prior to the publication of the Japanese version of this report.

• (in Japanese) New Trends in Science and Technology Innovation Policy from the Perspective of Science and Technology Diplomacy (2025)