Abstract:
Artificial intelligence has already begun to transform Canada’s economy and society, and the broader advantages of international collaboration in AI research have the potential to make an even greater impact. With three national AI institutes and a Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, Canada’s AI ecosystem is thriving and positions the country to build stronger international partnerships in this area, and to develop more meaningful international collaborations in other areas of innovation. This panel will convene science attachés to share perspectives on science diplomacy and partnerships, drawing on case studies related to AI research collaboration.

Summary of Conversations

The panel explored international science diplomacy with AI as a case study, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships to address global challenges. Discussions highlighted the importance of aligning international collaborations with national priorities and leveraging existing domestic ecosystems for greater impact. Key themes included responsible AI use, research security, and the balance between national interests and international cooperation. Examples like Horizon Europe, the Italia-Canada road map, and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) illustrated successful collaborative frameworks. The conversation underscored the necessity of governments facilitating these partnerships through financial and political backing.

Take Away Messages/ Current Status of Challenges

• Meaningful partnerships are crucial for tackling shared global challenges through science, focusing on the quality rather than quantity of collaborations.
• Canada’s decentralized approach to international partnerships requires strategic coordination and alignment with national priorities.
• Balancing openness in science with research security is a significant challenge in the current geopolitical context.
• Integrating diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous knowledge, is essential for comprehensive international collaborations.
• AI governance and regulation are critical areas for international cooperation, requiring frameworks that address both opportunities and risks.
• A clear distinction is needed between science diplomacy, technology diplomacy, and innovation diplomacy to better address specific challenges and interests.
• The rapid pace of technological development, particularly in AI, poses challenges for regulators and policymakers in keeping up with emerging implications.
• Integrating humanities and social sciences perspectives is vital for ensuring ethical and societal considerations in AI development and deployment.

Recommendations/Next Steps

• Develop a more assertive and strategically coordinated science diplomacy strategy for Canada that aligns with national objectives.
• Prioritize focus on a smaller number of more meaningful collaborations to maximize impact.
• Establish clear governance mechanisms, accountabilities, and resources to support the successful implementation of international partnerships.
• Promote open dialogue and collaboration between like-minded countries to align research security frameworks and maintain open science principles.
• Incorporate strategic foresight and future studies into diplomatic frameworks to anticipate and address emerging technological challenges.
• Encourage government propulsion and financial support to translate political will into concrete actions for international science initiatives.
• Break down broad concepts like AI into specific subtopics and economic sectors to tailor strategies and address sector-specific challenges.
• Increase personnel and resources dedicated to science diplomacy efforts within Canadian diplomatic missions.