The Involvement of Young Stakeholders in Science Diplomacy at National, European and Global Levels: the Case of Switzerland

The term “science diplomacy” (SD) has been increasingly in the limelight within both academic and policy-making spheres. The “science diplomacy” (SD) is often seen as a tool to address “the new global challenges” and to build future global development. Although the involvement of youth seems to be crucial to the success of SD in this context, its conceptualisation from the standpoint of these important stakeholders is not common. Therefore, this study aims to determine how students and early career researchers engage in SD at national, European and global levels. The case of Switzerland was chosen taking into account its high level scientific achievements and long-standing tradition of SD. This study is based on the following methods: analysis of documents and website materials of Swiss universities and other organisations engaged in SD; conducting semi-structured interviews with representatives of Swiss universities, leading in both research and international cooperation, as well as with officials from Swiss organisations, engaged in SD. Through analysing empirical vignettes discussing mobility schemes, scholarship programmes, alumni associations and SD training initiatives this study shows that these young stakeholders can play an important “ambassador” role in SD not only with regard to national needs, but also European and global ones. Thus, this paper seeks to contribute both in empirical and theoretical terms to the scholarly debates related to the role of youth in SD in particular and in international relations in general.