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Policy Issues

Science, Technology, and Innovation

Science, technology, and innovation are cornerstones of the American economy. They are also dominant forces in modern society and international economic development. Strengthening these areas can foster open, transparent, and meritocratic systems of governance throughout the world.

The Department of State executes public diplomacy programs that promote the value of science to the general public. It also implements capacity-building programs in emerging markets that train young men and women to become science and technology entrepreneurs, strengthening innovation ecosystems globally. The Department’s efforts contribute to scientific enterprises that hasten economic growth and advance U.S. foreign policy priorities.

Read more about what specific bureaus are doing to support this policy issue:

Office of Science and Technology Cooperation (STC): STC, part of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), cultivates science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystems to support U.S. foreign and economic policy priorities. It leverages a wide variety of tools and foreign partnerships to strengthen STI around the world. Read more about STC

Office of the Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State (STAS): STAS provides a focal point for the integration of science, technology, and innovation into U.S. foreign policy. It anticipates the foreign policy impacts of STI research and development and the effects of discoveries emerging from the high-technology and private sectors. It is a central bridge between the Department and the U.S. and global STI communities. Read more about STAS

Office of Space Affairs (SA): SA carries out diplomatic and public diplomacy efforts to strengthen American leadership in space exploration, applications, and commercialization by increasing understanding of, and support for, U.S. national space policies and programs and to encourage the foreign use of U.S. space capabilities, systems, and services. Read more about SA

Learn about the Department of State’s initiatives involving artificial intelligence:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial intelligence is at the center of the global technological revolution. The Department of State promotes an international policy environment and works to build partnerships that further U.S. leadership in AI technologies, protect our national and economic security, and promote our values.
Read more about AI

U.S. Department of State

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