Emerging Technologies, STI Diaspora and Science Diplomacy in India: Towards a New Approach.

Utilizing the expertise and knowledge resources of the diaspora, particularly the scientific diaspora, has been part of the strategies of many countries. In the recent years, realizing the importance of the potential of the diaspora to contribute to national development and Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem, countries have used Science Diplomacy also to engage with the scientific diaspora. Science Diplomacy is hailed as an enabler and facilitator and is often seen in the context of international S&T collaboration or big science projects. But the use of Science Diplomacy for diaspora engagement calls for specific strategies and meaningful initiatives. India is one of the major developing countries that has given a major thrust to engaging with the scientific diaspora. India is also a leading player in the global Science Diplomacy arena. This article critically examines India's initiatives and strategies for engagement with the scientific diaspora. It points out that the Science Diplomacy dimension is missing in this. Using examples from other countries, recent thinking, and developments in Science Diplomacy, this study outlines an approach with some examples of strategies and initiatives for harnessing Science Diplomacy to enhance engagement with the scientific diaspora and create a win-win milieu for India and the diaspora. The approach takes into account the proposed and ongoing initiatives in emerging technologies in India, including quantum technologies and Artificial Intelligence. Such a framework will create a synergy among various programs and initiatives by using Science Diplomacy as a facilitator and catalyst. Under this framework, Diaspora is involved not only as experts and contributors to scientific advancements but also as stakeholders. This dual role of the STI Diaspora can bring a paradigm shift in traditional understanding and use of science diplomacy, particularly to engage and harness the potential of the STI Diaspora for Sustainable Development.

Why Public Engagement Matters in Science.

Despite criticisms, public engagement is a necessary part of the process to democratize science. Organizations such as the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have recognized its importance. Citizen science and stakeholder involvement in medical research demonstrate that the public is not always a passive beneficiary of science and can contribute to it.

Biobanking and Privacy in India.

Biobank-based research is not specifically addressed in Indian statutory law and therefore Indian Council for Medical Research guidelines are the primary regulators of biobank research in India. The guidelines allow for broad consent and for any level of identification of specimens. Although privacy is a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution, courts have limited this right when it conflicts with other rights or with the public interest. Furthermore, there is no established privacy test or actionable privacy right in the common law of India. In order to facilitate biobank-based research, both of these lacunae should be addressed by statutory law specifically addressing biobanking and more directly addressing the accompanying privacy concerns. A biobank-specific law should be written with international guidelines in mind, but harmonization with other laws should not be attempted until after India has created a law addressing biobank research within the unique legal and cultural environment of India.