Mapping Innovation Diplomacy in Denmark and Sweden

The aim of this article is to identify and map innovation diplomacy actions in Denmark and Sweden using the ‘functions of innovation systems’ approach. Based on Hekkert et al.’s seven key system functions (Marko P. Hekkert, Roald A. A. Suurs, Simona O. Negro, Stefan Kuhlmann and Ruud E. H. M. Smits, ‘Functions of Innovation Systems: A New Approach for Analysing Technological Change’, Technological Forecasting & Social Change 74 (4) (2007), 413-432), the article assess the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in meeting governments’ innovation targets. The empirical analysis, including twelve semi-structured interviews with seventeen career diplomats, reveals the key initiatives that countries are taking in furthering their homeland’s innovation aims or ambitions. The study also asks whether the ‘diplomacy for innovation’ approach of both Scandinavian MFAs are consistent with the ‘whole-of-government’ and ‘whole-of-society’ approaches.