This presentation aims to determine how universities engage in science diplomacy at national, European, and global levels with the particular focus on their involvement in transnational university networks.
The term science diplomacy has been increasingly in the limelight within both academic and policy-making spheres in Europe and internationally, but it still requires further conceptualisation. One of its main defining characteristics is involvement of state actors, while conceptualisation of science diplomacy from the standpoint of non-state actors is not common. At the same time, the activities of universities seem to be crucial to the success of science diplomacy efforts.
This research is based on analysis of documents and website materials of organisations engaged in science diplomacy, conducting semi-structured interviews with representatives of universities, as well as with officials from other relevant organisations. This study aims to contribute both empirically and theoretically to the scholarly debates related to science diplomacy as a concept and practice.