The focus of this report is to provide an overview of "Science Diplomacy"--a field that is rapidly gaining importance and attracting attention against the backdrop of changing global circumstances--from the perspective of science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy. Furthermore, from the perspective of Science Diplomacy, this report discusses international trends in STI policy, common challenges, interactions between nations, developments in international frameworks, and the activities of international organizations and forums operating beyond national borders. This report revises the previous report, "New Trends in Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy from the Perspective of Science Diplomacy (2025)," and adds new developments.

Since the establishment of modern science in the West in the 17th century, various initiatives driven by both scientific advancement and diplomatic motives have been undertaken. These initiatives were conceptualized in a report titled "New frontiers in science diplomacy", published in January 2010 based on discussions at an international workshop organized by the Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).The report proposed three elements of Science Diplomacy: "science in diplomacy", "diplomacy for science", and "science for diplomacy". Since then, countries have promoted various Science Diplomacy initiatives under this three-pronged framework as part of their science, technology, and innovation policies and foreign policy efforts.

Looking at the current landscape of Science Diplomacy, while geopolitical tensions are intensifying, the impact and speed at which rapid advancements in science and technology affect society and politics have grown exponentially. In the research and development of emerging technologies such as AI, quantum technology, semiconductors, and biotechnology, the results of basic research are being implemented in society within a very short timeframe, exerting a significant impact. On the other hand, we have entered an era where scientific and technological progress is no longer limited to the creation of new human knowledge, the resolution of social issues, and contributions to economic development, but is deeply intertwined with politics, national power, and security. Consequently, science and technology are now positioned at the core of national strategy, not merely as a driver of economic competitiveness. Driven by the need to address challenges such as sustainability, resilience, quality of life, and national security, STI policies are expanding their scope by integrating with industry, policy, national security policy, and foreign policy. The objectives of Science Diplomacy have expanded to include national, regional, alliance, and global interests, with an emphasis on autonomy and superiority, extending beyond academia and public organizations to the private sector and NGOs. Furthermore, global STI-related organizations are forming science, technology, and innovation ecosystems through various initiatives and collaborations.

As the global landscape undergoes rapid change, the importance of Science Diplomacy is growing, and there is a growing global movement to reexamine the concepts, roles, and initiatives of Science Diplomacy to adapt to these tectonic shifts in the international landscape. In 2025, two documents reflecting this new era of Science Diplomacy were released: (1) one compiled by the Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and (2) one compiled by the European Commission.

1. "Science Diplomacy in an Era of Division and Disruption" (Royal Society and American Association for the Advancement of Science)
In January 2024, the Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) announced a year-long review of the three elements of Science Diplomacy they had proposed in 2010, under the title "Science Diplomacy 15 Years On" and published a new report, "Science Diplomacy in an Era of Disruption" in February 2025. In this report, they simplified the framework and proposed a two-dimensional model: "Science impacting diplomacy" (how science relates to diplomatic objectives) and "Diplomacy impacting science" (how diplomacy engages with and influences scientific activities). By simplifying the framework, they present a more flexible framework capable of adapting to current and future challenges. They also emphasize the following three points as key considerations for future science diplomacy practices:(1) Science diplomacy is a key tool for advancing international relations; (2) Science diplomacy is increasingly being utilized by non-state actors such as private companies; (3) The role of science diplomacy becomes critical in times of turmoil.

2. "European Framework for Science Diplomacy" (European Commission)
As science and technology have become "geopolitical resources" the EU has clearly articulated its policy of safeguarding its strategic interests and values through science diplomacy. The EU held European Science Diplomacy Conferences in 2023 and 2025, and in February 2025, experts formulated a framework report. Based on these efforts, a draft recommendation was published in February 2026 with the aim of adopting a European Council recommendation by the first half of 2026. The main points are as follows:

• Maintain the space for international cooperation and strengthen shared responsibility for global public goods.
• Defending Europe's strategic interests: In addition to traditional "soft power" the document positions science diplomacy as a strategic interest for Europe.

To this end, it proposes concrete measures such as strengthening strategic intelligence through foresight initiatives and enhancing science diplomacy functions at diplomatic missions abroad.

Furthermore, in the Global South--including India, South Africa, and ASEAN countries--interest in scientific advice and Science Diplomacy is growing, and institutions and systems are being strengthened. In March 2025, UNESCO held a ministerial-level meeting on Science Diplomacy, bringing together both developed and developing nations.

It is hoped that this report will deepen understanding of the growing global importance of science and technology in national strategies and policies, as well as the mutual cooperation and competition among nations and relevant organizations, from the perspective of Science Diplomacy, and that it will serve as a useful tool for examining the strategies and specific measures Japan should adopt.

In Japan's science and technology policy, the term "science and technology diplomacy" is used to refer to concepts and initiatives that other countries describe as "Science Diplomacy." However, in this report, the term "Science Diplomacy" will be used as the translation even when referring to Japanese policies and related efforts.

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 Diplomacy (2026)
• New Trends in Science and Technology Innovation Policy from the Perspective of Science and Technology Diplomacy (2025)