DEMYSTIFYING TECHNOLOGICAL DIPLOMACY

The term “science and technology diplomacy” means the provision of science and technology advice to multilateral negotiations and the implementation of the results of such negotiations at the national level. It, therefore, covers activities at both international level and national level pursuant to international commitments.

Science and technology have become key drivers of international relations and  knowledge in  key fields  is an essential prerequisite to effective international negotiations. Understanding the trends in science and technology globally is also a key element for successful national implementation of international agreements.

Agri-biotechnology for instance, has spurred public debate world over and is expected to induce changes in international relations among countries.

The Globalization wave is evident in all sectors of the world economy and science and technology is no exception. Since we cannot downplay its tremendous effects to shape and influence how we do business, and relate with other countries, the fundamental question is how do we utilize science and technology for diplomatic purposes?  The country need not wait for its competitors in tourism, horticulture, tea and coffee industry to capture its markets and then cry foul. We can adapt to changes in the global market through international relations to enhance our competitive- ness. Most of the global challenges facing the 21st Century such as climate change, food security, water and energy shortages, poverty eradication, and nuclear non-proliferation are no longer possible without the use of Science Technology and Innovation (STI). Science-particularly in the form of international collaborative partner- ships must play a pivotal role in ad- dressing these issues.

Humanity now faces many common challenges that can be addressed most effectively if nations pool and leverage their assets. There are two key features of the growth of scientific and technological knowledge that are central to international negotiations.

First, scientific knowledge is becoming increasingly specialized and there- fore demands greater expert input into international negotiations. Second, the application of science and technology to development requires the ability to integrate the divergent disciplines that are needed to solve specific problems. The influence and effectiveness of diplomats and inter- national civil servants increasingly depend upon the extent to which they can mobilize scientific and technical expertise in their work.

This should spur human resource development in science and technology to meet these global demands. Scientific collaboration allows for opportunities for training and research through the international exchange of researchers, joint research and international distribution of science and technology related information.

Indeed it has enabled the success of joint projects in advanced research fields for instance space and marine sciences.  Closer  home the  Kenya - South Africa collaboration in science and technology has enabled researchers in the two countries to undertake research  in water and human medicine through research  grants availed by the two countries.

Opportunities for Kenya through STI Diplomacy include: Establishing systems through which Kenya and other governments collaborating with her will help each other by strengthening capabilities to be able to independently resolve their problems and become self-reliant.

For instance the establishment of Universities of excellence within the East African block would help the member countries to train their countrymen using modern infrastructure already available in other countries to help cut costs and reduce duplication.

Sending Kenya’s excellent research results to the world has the potential to increase the country’s competitiveness by proposing its use for the benefit of human society. M-pesa is a classic example.