Stéphane Dion: The case for unified and effective Canadian science diplomacy
Stéphane Dion: The case for unified and effective Canadian science diplomacy
Publish Date: 2026-06-30 10:50:00
Source Domain: theconversation.com
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Canada’s Significance in Global Science Diplomacy: Effective, unified science diplomacy is essential for securing Canada’s access to scientific knowledge, maintaining its economic edge in technology, upholding global scientific freedom, and advancing peace.
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Four Pillars of Science Diplomacy: The fundamental objectives are facilitating international scientific collaboration and access, maximizing economic benefits from scientific innovation, promoting Canadian values like academic freedom globally, and using science to resolve international conflicts.
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Current Geopolitical and Technological Context: The challenges include the artificial intelligence revolution and the dominance of U.S. tech giants, China’s emergence as a scientific superpower, and the impact of protectionism and U.S. administrative policies, such as Trumpism, on international science co-operation.
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Canada’s Diplomatic Strategy: Canada risks ending up between U.S. protectionism, China’s scientific influence, and Europe’s move toward technological sovereignty; thus, it’s critical to develop strong science diplomacy led by a cooperative “Team Canada” approach to maintain access to global scientific opportunities.
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Importance of a Team Canada Approach: Canadian success in science diplomacy will rely on collaboration between government, embassies, businesses, and universities; it must avoid isolated efforts and leverage the country’s brand to enhance its international standing and secure funding and partnerships.
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Learning from the European Example: Canada has benefited from European support via Horizon Europe but needs to maintain access and inclusion into its successor, especially in sensitive areas like dual-use research, to maintain its scientific competitiveness.
