E. William Colglazier, U.S. Department of State
Because of the accelerating pace of scientific and technological change - due in part to the information and computer revolution and the global spread of expertise and knowledge - and its unquestioned impact on economic development, science and technology have become even more important assets for diplomacy. Nearly every country has been convinced that it must engage on a world-class level in science and technology and become more innovative in this highly competitive and interconnected world. As a consequence, science diplomacy becomes an important mechanism to help build more knowledge- and innovation-based societies and to help spread scientific values, including meritocracy and transparency, that support democracy. Making progress will require energetic international engagement by scientists and engineers everywhere, which can help to ensure a more peaceful, secure, prosperous world.