Science diplomacy of Poland

Science diplomacy (SD), a relatively new area of academic and political discourse, lacks a universally accepted definition. Its conceptualization is ongoing, with diverse interpretations from various stakeholders including diplomats, science advisors, and researchers. While SD is a subset of 'new diplomacy' encompassing various non-traditional areas, mainstream international relations (IR) scholars have given it moderate attention, focusing more on the broader relationship between science and politics. The study of SD is complex because it involves multiple interpretations of its purpose, stakeholders, instruments, and activities. Existing definitions often blur the lines between SD and international scientific cooperation; this paper argues that state involvement is crucial to distinguish SD from purely international scientific endeavors. SD activities, while having centuries-old roots, remain challenging to define precisely, with the need to avoid overly broad interpretations. The article focuses on Poland's SD, analyzing its frameworks and comparing it with the established systems of France and the Czech Republic, highlighting the underrepresentation of Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in existing SD analyses.

The paper reviews existing literature on science diplomacy, highlighting the lack of a universally accepted definition and the ongoing debate among researchers and practitioners. It discusses different perspectives on science diplomacy, including those of mainstream IR scholars and critical approaches. The paper notes the underrepresentation of Central and Eastern European countries in the existing analyses of science diplomacy models. It also references previous studies on public policies, particularly higher education policies in Poland and other CEE countries, while emphasizing the absence of explicit analyses of SD models in these regions.

The study employs a neoclassical realist approach, emphasizing both internal and external factors influencing a state's foreign policy. This perspective, combined with neoliberal institutionalism, acknowledges the non-unitary nature of states and the influence of non-state actors. The analysis considers how internal conditions, such as elite cohesion and consensus, affect Poland's SD. It categorizes Poland as a 'revisionist state' seeking to improve its position in the international scientific community by cooperating with more advanced nations. The study utilizes a three-category framework (access, cooperation, influence) to classify the objectives of SD, as proposed by Flink and Schreiterer. Data collection involved analyzing source documents (normative acts, policy papers, expert analyses) and conducting semi-structured interviews with representatives from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, diplomats, officials from research agencies (NAWA, NCN, NCBiR), the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN), and scientists involved in international collaborations. The Polish case is compared with France and the Czech Republic, representing different levels of SD development within the EU.

Poland's interest in SD is recent, emerging around 2015. Initially, SD activities were integrated within cultural or public diplomacy. The regulatory framework lacks a dedicated, legally binding SD strategy, although the Foreign Policy Strategy (2017–2021) emphasizes the use of science in international relations. The Inter-ministerial Team for the Promotion of Poland Abroad, initially tasked with coordinating SD, was disbanded, highlighting a lack of sustained, coordinated effort. Poland's SD priorities emphasize 'access' to resources (research infrastructure, funding, expertise) and 'cooperation' with advanced partners, aligning with its revisionist approach. 'Influence' as an objective is less prominent. Institutional actors include the Ministries of Science and Foreign Affairs, research funding agencies (NCN, NCBiR, NAWA), and the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a coordinating role in 'science for diplomacy', while the Ministry of Science and Higher Education focuses on internationalization and collaboration. However, coordination mechanisms remain underdeveloped compared to France and the Czech Republic, which have dedicated bodies and personnel for science diplomacy. Bottom-up initiatives by individual scientists and research institutions form a significant part of Poland's SD, yet these efforts often lack overarching strategic direction. The study highlights challenges stemming from Poland's ongoing higher education and science reform and the political context, with a lack of coherence between ruling and scientific elites.

The findings reveal that Poland's SD is at a nascent stage, lacking coordinated strategies and strong institutional frameworks compared to its counterparts. Although Poland has made strides in internationalizing its science, the lack of a comprehensive SD strategy and the recent disbanding of the Inter-ministerial Team suggest a need for more robust coordination and commitment. The research highlights the significance of domestic political factors in shaping the direction and effectiveness of SD. The reliance on bottom-up initiatives, while effective in some areas, also points to the need for a clear, top-down strategic vision. The comparison with France and the Czech Republic underscores the potential benefits of well-defined strategies and dedicated institutional structures in maximizing the impact of science diplomacy.

This study concludes that while Poland's science diplomacy activities show a growing presence in international collaborations, they are hampered by a lack of strategic coherence and institutional capacity. The absence of a comprehensive national strategy and the limited coordination between key ministries hinder the effectiveness of efforts. Future research should focus on developing a comprehensive national SD strategy, strengthening inter-ministerial cooperation, and examining the long-term impact of various SD initiatives on Poland’s international standing and scientific development. Furthermore, it is necessary to assess the effectiveness of bottom-up initiatives and integrate them into a broader, coordinated national approach.

The study acknowledges limitations regarding data availability, especially concerning the long-term impact of SD initiatives. Data from interviews were collected at a specific point in time, which may not fully capture the dynamic nature of science diplomacy. The analysis relies heavily on documentary sources and interviews, limiting the scope to direct observations and potentially neglecting certain nuances of SD practices. Future research could benefit from a longitudinal approach and broader data collection methods to overcome these limitations.