18 March 2025
Environmental scanning, strategic analysis, qualified intelligence gathering, and long-term relationship-building are becoming increasingly important in a time when democratic space is shrinking globally.
At the Academy’s most recent Zoom Circle, we were joined by Andreas Göthenberg, Executive Director of STINT and an expert on the role of science in international relations.
Andreas Göthenberg, CEO of STINT. Photo: Per Olsson
The Young Academy of Sweden has greatly benefited from the Swedish research office at the embassy in Seoul, which has supported our collaboration with Y-KAST, the Young Academy of South Korea, in several ways. Now that the Swedish government has decided to close the office, we are asking ourselves what role our academy can play in sustaining research collaborations between South Korea and Sweden – and, by extension, with other countries.
To help us understand the broader context and explore ways forward, we were delighted to welcome Andreas Göthenberg, Executive Director of the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT), to a digital study circle.
“We need to better understand the emerging research-intensive environments around the world,” Göthenberg noted.
The landscape of internationalisation has become more complex. Many new hubs for knowledge and innovation are now developing in countries with challenging political and economic systems. This makes it harder to assess risks and opportunities when engaging in international collaboration. Ethical and security-related considerations may also be difficult to navigate.
Strategic intelligence gathering and long-term relationship-building are therefore growing in importance – particularly in a world where democratic space is under pressure. A broad range of concerns must now be considered: risk, security, ethics, human rights, sustainability, legal frameworks, and sociopolitical contexts.
Sweden’s capacity for environmental scanning and analysis within higher education and science is currently limited compared to countries of similar size and economy, such as Denmark and Switzerland. These countries invest more in tracking developments within global science and innovation.
Today, the top 25 % of countries in terms of research performance are far more diverse than they were in the past. This raises the bar for international collaboration.
In many scientific fields, major shifts have taken place in recent decades. Between 2009–2012, universities in the West produced the most impactful research. But measurements from 2019–2022 show that China is now rapidly advancing – particularly in mathematics and technology. In contrast, the West still dominates in the social sciences.
STINT’s focus is on supporting Swedish higher education institutions and research funders by serving as a knowledge resource for navigating an increasingly complex international landscape. Within the EU, established frameworks already exist. STINT therefore promotes collaboration in more geographically distant regions.
Andreas emphasized the importance of science diplomacy. Science builds long-term relationships across national borders, often beyond political tensions. At the same time, academic freedom is under pressure in some countries, which makes risk assessment essential.
We asked what STINT means by science diplomacy, as the concept can be somewhat elusive. One answer is that all researchers working abroad are, in a sense, science diplomats.
The conversation concluded with a discussion on how early-career researchers can be engaged in international networks. One example is the STINT Science Fellows programme, which aims to strengthen Swedish research and higher education through global intelligence and strategic relationship-building, with a focus on science policy.
Zoom Circles are a popular and accessible way for the Academy to engage with experts. A typical Zoom Circle begins with a brief round of introductions. The invited expert then gives a short presentation on current developments in their field, followed by an open conversation.
We developed the Zoom Circle concept during the pandemic as a way to explore and learn more about topics close to our hearts. It has since become a much-appreciated part of our activities — a chance to build knowledge, ask questions, and discuss timely issues in an informal setting with knowledgeable guests.
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