It is usually to speak of a «strategic partnership» when it comes to Russian-German cooperation. This thesis gained particular popularity in the 2000s. At that time, the Russian side received proposals for joint development of cooperation «from Lisbon to Vladivostok». Today the relations between the RF-FRG-EU are under the conditions of «turbulence», there is a crisis of the political relations. At the same time, Russia and Germany are trying to deepen economic, scientific and technical cooperation. In the context of modern crises and the uncertainty of global processes, the shaping of a new international policy and the improvement of bilateral relations, the deepening of civil society cooperation in Russia and Germany as well as humanitarian cooperation are becoming increasingly important. In particular, the development of scientific diplomacy can be seen as one of the opportunities for productive work.
Science diplomacy is not a new phenomenon. This concept became popular in the 50s of the last century when countries began to consider resuming scientific contacts after the end of World War II. For scientists who work actively and communicate with their foreign counterparts, scientific diplomacy is becoming almost daily work today, and science itself, whose achievements transcend all borders, is becoming more and more international. The 2020 pandemic has forced states to close borders, restrict movement, and cease or slow down business activity. In times of crisis, however, an expert assessment of current events is more necessary than ever in order to be able to make informed decisions. In this phase «Science as Diplomacy» appears. But peace is slowly recovering and scientists, like other people in every country in the world, are pondering the prospects for further cooperation. Regardless of the change in the development of the country or the decline in economic activity, the field of science and education has great potential. Our experience has shown that during a pandemic and associated restrictions, scientists not only actively continue their research, but that the status and reputation of the profession of a scientist, for example the profession of a doctor, grew before our eyes.
The globalization of science contributes to solving economic problems in the country and sometimes also solving public safety and health problems (finding a vaccine, medicine). Cooperation between our countries in this direction can be promising and productive. Russia and Germany are known for their scientific traditions, schools, and scientific achievements. Education in Russia and Germany has long been considered one of the best in Europe.
As a practical step, we could propose the development of the «Scientific Tourism» project, in terms of carrying out an equivalent exchange between scientists staying in Russia and Germany, the organization of summer and winter schools for students and scientists. This project was discussed at a joint meeting with representatives of the Committee on External Relations, the Committee on Tourism, the Committee on Science and Higher Education of the Government of St. Petersburg. The development of this direction could lead to the development of a specialized department, in specialized departments and foundations.
Science tourism has excellent prospects in both Russia and Germany. Each of the many regions of Russia and Germany has its own peculiarities: scientific schools, academic community, natural landscapes, ethnic flair and the peculiarities of economic development in each region.
The political aspects of developing this direction can also be taken into account. The organization of summer and winter schools in collaboration with the academic community, higher education and government agencies gives participants the opportunity to learn more about the socio-economic system of Russia and Germany, more reliable information about the countries' foreign and security policies, the history of the To preserve countries and the economy, as well as the specifics of doing business... It is not without reason that some present Russia as a nesting doll: many do not understand how the political system works, how decisions are made, how to do business with Russian partners and what to expect. Added to this is the complexity and the Russian language, which many representatives of foreign business in Russia try to master. The implementation of scientific tourism programs will make it possible to further destroy the negative stereotypical thinking about Russia and its politics generated by many mass media abroad. The opportunity to communicate with decision-makers, people doing scientific research, representatives of universities and students will help improve the image of Russia abroad, through «soft power» and the organization of this communication and its information coverage in social Networking on websites created in English and German. This form of scientific tourism appears to be both economically and politically democratic.
The project can be started in St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg is one of the largest scientific and technical centers in Russia and the world, a city that has been dubbed the «window to Europe» and to whose development immigrants from Germany made a significant contribution. According to the St. Petersburg passport for 2015, more than 10 % of the country's scientific potential is concentrated in the city: more than 350 scientific organizations, including 70 organizations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, more than 250 government organizations engaged in research and development, scientific centers.
Scientific schools, universities, highly qualified professionals and scientists in St. Petersburg are known all over the world. The ability to conduct basic and applied research from linguistic to nuclear is what sets St. Petersburg apart from other science cities in the world.
A distinctive feature of science tourism compared to normal tourism should be an interest-based program, which may include, first of all, thematic visits to educational, scientific and other professional institutions, laboratories, observatories, meetings with Russian scientists and professionals, and a cultural program. Another interesting part of the scientific tourism program can be participation in expeditions organized by various scientific and educational institutions. This project could be of particular interest to Russian students in terms of career guidance.
The extent and prospects for the development of scientific tourism are obvious. The project may involve cooperation between government agencies, authorities, foundations, scientific and educational institutions in Russia and Germany.
St. Petersburg could be the first city in Russia to start developing scientific tourism for the exchange of highly qualified professionals, offering new travel opportunities for scientists and students. It was not for nothing that St. Petersburg was called the “window to Europe”.
References:
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