Science, Technology, and American Diplomacy: Background and Issues for Congress

international science and technology (S&T) policy activities have a long history, dating back to the 1700s. Scientists and engineers frequently communicate and cooperate with one another without regard to national boundaries. The United States serves as a role model for other countries in the early stages of development or at a major point of transition. Congress is discussing how to maximize the effectiveness of these international S&T policy activities. The Department of State (DOS) is the lead federal agency in developing S&T agreements. The DOS sets the policy direction for U.S. international S&T diplomacy, working with other federal agencies as needed. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) acts as an interagency coordinator. A number of federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations are involved in international S&T policy. The National Research Council identifies five developmental challenges where S&T could play a role: child health and child survival, safe water, agricultural research to reduce hunger and poverty, micro-economic reform, and mitigation of natural disasters. The DOS has a long history of involvement in international S&T policy, dating back to the 1700s. Scientists and engineers have frequently communicated and cooperated with one another without regard to national boundaries. The DOS has a significant role in international S&T policy, with a focus on developing S&T agreements. The DOS sets the policy direction for U.S. international S&T diplomacy, working with other federal agencies as needed. The OSTP acts as an interagency coordinator, providing advice on international S&T policies and the role of S&T considerations in foreign relations. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is involved in international S&T policy, with a focus on building S&T capacity in developing countries. The USAID provides support for S&T capacity building, including exchanges, assistance, and joint research activities addressing key global issues. The USAID also supports the development priorities of host countries. The OSTP and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) are involved in international S&T policy, with a focus on providing advice on international S&T policies and the role of S&T considerations in foreign relations. The OSTP and the NSTC work together to provide a coordinated approach to international S&T policy. The Obama Administration has taken several actions to enhance international S&T diplomacy, including the establishment of new programs in Muslim-majority countries. The Administration has also proposed the creation of a new U.S. government organization, the Development Applications Research Institute (DARI), to develop and apply innovative technologies to development problems. The Congressional Research Service has identified several policy options for Congress to consider, including ensuring a baseline of science, engineering, and technology (SET) literacy among all appropriate DOS personnel, increasing the presence overseas of personnel with significant SET expertise, and expanding the Department's engagement within global SET networks through exchanges, assistance, and joint research activities addressing key global issues.