Higher Education Forum Volume 19
published_at 2022-03

Understanding and Applying the Key Elements of Knowledge Diplomacy: The role of international higher education, research and innovation in international relations

Knight Jane
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HigherEducationForum_19_1.pdf
Abstract
Few would question the changing landscape of international higher education, research and innovation (IHERI) or the increased complexities and interconnectedness of the relationships between and among countries of the world. But paradoxically, there is a lack of research on the intersection of these two evolving phenomenon. This article aims to address this by proposing the concept of knowledge diplomacy, instead of soft power, to understand the role of IHERI in building bilateral and multi-lateral relationships based on collaboration, reciprocity and mutuality of benefits. A definition and conceptual framework for knowledge diplomacy are proposed and examined in detail. Three IHERI initiatives – The Pan African University, the German Jordanian University and RENKEI – a research network between Japanese and UK universities – are examined to illustrate how the major elements and principles of the knowledge diplomacy framework can be applied. The article ends by posing questions about the future of knowledge diplomacy and the need for further research.
Keywords
international higher education
international relations
innovation
knowledge diplomacy
mutuality
partnership
research
soft power