New horizons shaping science, technology and innovation diplomacy: the case of Latin
America and the Caribbean and the
European Union. EL-CSID Working Paper Issue 2018/20 • August 2018
Europe and the world face a moment of transformation. The global financial crisis wiped out years of
economic and social progress, exposed structural weaknesses in world economies and emphasised
the importance of the real economies and strong industries. Modernisation and digitalisation of the
industrial base together with the promotion of a competitive framework for industry through research,
technology and innovation are drivers for recovery. Innovation, and particularly open innovation, is a
key factor of global competitiveness.
The European Commission (EC) addresses international cooperation policy in a wider framework and
adapts to the evolving needs of partner countries at different stages of development (EC, 2018a). Latin
America and the Caribbean countries’ (LAC) and the European Union’s (EU) cooperation on science,
technology and innovation has a long history based on cultural roots and common concerns. They
share a strategic bi-regional partnership, which was launched in 1999 and stepped up significantly in
recent years. The two regions co-operate closely at international level across a broad range of issues
and maintain an intensive political dialogue at all levels. EU-LAC relationships are moving from a
traditional cooperation model towards a learning model, where sharing experiences and learning from
innovations appear to be decisive (OECD, 2014).
This paper focuses on the challenges that innovation nowadays poses to international relations and
diplomacy. It is based on the evidence gained by the research team from participation in several EULAC
projects, especially the ELAN Network project coordinated by TECNALIA, the INNOVACT project as
well as other projects and activities