The use, political and economic implications of the Internet and new technologies have always shaped diplomatic means and methods leading to new phenomena such as the emergence of tech diplomacy. As a subcategory of Internet governance, tech diplomacy refers to the new modes of states' interactions with private intermediaries in innovation hubs. The novelty of the phenomenon shows in the lack of scientific data and academic research on the topic. This research project aims to fill this gap addressing the following questions: Why do states introduce tech diplomacy? And how is it currently structured and implemented? Stefania Pia Grottola proposes a case study analysis of Denmark and Switzerland addressing the questions through exploratory reasoning combining inductive and deductive elements and qualitative research methods based on case study analysis, interview methods and participatory observation. She looks at the factors that led Denmark and Switzerland to establish their tech ambassadors and the practice of tech diplomacy. The author examines tech diplomacy approaches through the lens of the Global Experimentalist Governance. As the first scientific analysis of tech diplomacy, this project advances our theoretical and empirical understanding of diplomacy in the technological age and makes a concrete contribution to governments and institutions investing in this domain.

Autorentext

Stefania Pia Grottola, PhD, is a researcher specializing in tech diplomacy and international digital policy.