Science diplomacy in small states: a case study of global players’ engagement in Slovakia

This paper examines the science diplomacy strategies employed in Slovakia by three major global players from America, Europe, and Asia: the United States, France, and China. Through a comparative analysis, it assesses the impact of these countries’ efforts on Slovakia’s scientific and technological development, as well as on human capital outflow, commonly referred to as ‘brain drain’. The study adopts a qualitative methodology, combining secondary sources with key informant interviews conducted with embassy representatives involved in science diplomacy initiatives. The findings highlight the distinctive approaches of each country: the United States focuses on educational exchanges and fostering entrepreneurship; France emphasizes academic cooperation through EU research frameworks; and China prioritizes investment in technological partnerships. The research also reveals the challenges Slovakia faces in leveraging these international collaborations to address its brain drain problem. While these initiatives strengthen bilateral relations and support capacity-building, they often fail to directly address talent retention within Slovakia. This study sheds light on the strategic role that science diplomacy plays in shaping the scientific landscape and the international standing of smaller states, such as Slovakia. It offers policymakers and scholars valuable insights into the complexities of science diplomacy and its broader implications for global cooperation and development.