ISC Intelligence in Science is a Brussels-based advisory firm specialised in science, technology and R&D programmes, policy and related regulatory affairs.
ISC works with partner organisations to create an enabling environment for science collaboration. Our understanding of policymakers and policy-making at the global and regional levels means we understand the interaction between regulation, funding, programming, and stakeholders that are necessary for science to contribute to global challenges.
In recent years the United Nations SDGs have provided the backdrop against which science plays its role in addressing global challenges. Increasingly, large-scale research projects, research infrastructures and other capacity-building initiatives are aligned with the global sustainability agenda, including digital transformation and the broader agreement on biodiversity agendas. Increasing alignment between United Nations level and EU level approaches to solving global problems is evident: this is also happening between and amongst nations.
Global science collaboration is important because it allows scientists from different countries to share ideas, resources, and expertise to address complex scientific problems that cannot be solved by any one country alone. It also promotes cross-cultural understanding and international cooperation and can lead to more efficient and effective use of limited research funds. Additionally, global collaboration can facilitate the transfer of scientific knowledge and technology between developed and developing countries, helping to bridge the global divide in scientific capacity and improve the overall state of scientific knowledge worldwide.
Policies, regulations, and funding are critical in supporting global scientific cooperation to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Policies: Governments can create policies that encourage international collaboration on research related to the SDGs, such as by providing funding for joint research projects or making it easier for scientists from different countries to work together.
- Regulation: Governments can also establish regulations that promote international cooperation, such as by harmonizing standards and regulations related to research and development.
- Funding: Governments can provide funding for international research collaborations on topics related to the SDGs, such as through grants or partnerships with international organizations. International organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization also provide funding and resources for global research collaborations to address the SDGs.
- Networking and collaboration platforms: Governments and international organizations can also establish networking and collaboration platforms to connect scientists and researchers from different countries to work together and share information on topics related to the SDGs.
Overall, policies, regulation and funding can make it easier for scientists to collaborate across borders and promote cooperation and coordination between countries on research related to the SDGs.