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Abstract :
[en] The aim of this paper is to empirically contribute to the study of science diplomacy and thereby introduce and analyse science and innovation centres (SIC) as a novel policy instrument in the science diplomacy toolbox. SIC are distinct units or satellite institutes, established by governments abroad, operating at the nexus of higher education, research, innovation and diplomacy. Based on a comparative analysis of policy documents and interview data, insights into the development of SIC in Germany and Switzerland are generated. Furthermore, the (changing) political rationales that guide their development, and hence science diplomacy in general, are distilled. By applying a policy instrumentation lens, the research 1) uncovers the development of the two SIC over time reflecting similarities and differences, 2) shows that the political rationales for SIC are changing and exceed dominant science diplomacy notions of soft power, 3) reveals that the promotion of the concept of science diplomacy reflects a certain Zeitgeist and rather than being a novelty, existing practices are relabelled as science diplomacy.