Development of Scientific Diasporas as a Tool of Science Diplomacy: Italian Case

Introduction. Scientific diasporas are considered both as participants in international cooperation in science and technology and as a foreign policy resource of states. Depending on the degree of integration of their members into the academic environment of the host countries, some communities are formed naturally, others – thanks to the support of the countries of origin. The case of Italy is unique combining both above scenarios. The aim of the study is a comprehensive analysis based on empirical material of the ways of forming modern Italian scientific diaspora structures in various regions of the world. Materials and Methods. The collection of empirical data included the analysis of official documents of the Italian MFA alongside information resources of 24 associations of Italian researchers abroad; conducting semi-structured interviews with the heads of the respective associations and science attachés. Quantitative analysis allowed statistical processing of the demographic indicators of associations, assessing the effectiveness of their interaction and the representation of various research fields. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using modern software (Microsoft Excel). Qualitative analysis was implemented through the analysis of information resources, thematic interview research and comparative analysis of the associations’ activities. Results. The study found that most of the analyzed associations were established in 2014–2021 in the context of implementing the “Sistema Paese” foreign policy course. Over the past three years, 11 of them have existed rather formally. Where associations continue to operate, they cover various research areas, primarily natural and exact sciences (37 % – physics and engineering, 26 – chemistry, 18 % – biology and medicine). The number of members varies from several dozen to 3 600 researchers. The average assessment by informants of the effectiveness of their organizations and interaction with Italian diplomatic missions amounts to 74 %. Although the science attachés made critical comments regarding communication with compatriot scientists, in most cases they expressed satisfaction with this interaction. Discussion and Conclusion. The results may be of interest to researchers of science diplomacy; developers of strategies for interaction with compatriots living abroad; science attachés and other employees of departments involved in international cooperation in science and technology.