Science diplomacy with swissnex China: A Swiss nation brand initiative

Switzerland has a long tradition of expertise in the fields of science, research and education, with 'science diplomacy' (SD) now assuming an important role for innovation economies. Past experience shows that international scientific cooperation can have valuable outcomes for the involved countries and complements traditional foreign policy and diplomacy. In Switzerland, a worldwide network of science and technology (S&T) outposts under the auspices of the Swiss State Secretariat for Education and Research in cooperation with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs was established in 2000. The very swissnex network around the world defines one of those established SD instruments. In this article, we discuss the swissnex office in China, which acts both as a physical and virtual environment to foster closer ties between Switzerland and China in S&T, innovation and culture. This case study examines the history and mission of swissnex China, its role and organizational structure, and reviews other nations 'comparable branding initiatives.The article analyzes clients and partners, as well as the main challenges for swissnex China during its 3 years of operation.