Science diplomacy merging with commercial diplomacy in small and developed countries: case study of Slovenia

The challenges that humanity is facing nowadays are rooted in science and technology and call for an international approach. Science is important not only for solving these common problems but is swiftly gaining importance in the economy. A continually important topic in the economy, which is rapidly coming back to the fore today, is the question of productivity and innovation, which cannot be improved without cooperation with the scientific sphere. The term 'science diplomacy' is a buzzword, but its exact meaning is not clear. Activities of commercial diplomacy can be 'reactive' and 'proactive'. For small countries, it is irrelevant whether we call it economic or commercial diplomacy. Small countries may have a different understanding of the concept of science diplomacy, namely, a much broader one. By combining science diplomacy with commercial diplomacy, small and developed countries can leverage their scientific and technological capabilities to drive their economic growth and competitiveness.