From the European Framework for Science Diplomacy to Practice: A Policy Review and Implementation Roadmap for Research Organizations

Abstract Purpose This paper presents a policy review and implementation roadmap for research organizations (ROs) aiming to operationalize science diplomacy in line with the European Framework for Science Diplomacy (2025). It clarifies what the Framework implies at the organizational level and supports ROs in moving from ad hoc international engagement to a repeatable, governed institutional function. Approach Using a structured policy analysis, we synthesize the Framework’s guidance and operationalize it for research organizations by mapping recommendations to capabilities, governance arrangements, and monitoring-evaluation-learning (MEL) routines, and by deriving a staged implementation pathway. Results The review indicates that institutionalization in ROs depends on a limited number of requirements: strategic mandate and positioning, coordination and risk governance, incentives and role clarity, stakeholder-facing communication, and MEL routines for learning and accountability. The paper also highlights predictable adoption frictions (capacity constraints, incentive misalignment, terminology gaps, autonomy-security trade-offs) that may limit uptake across European ROs. Practical implications The roadmap provides staged actions, roles, and milestones that ROs can adapt to maturity and context, supporting coherent international collaboration, institutional positioning, and science–business partnerships while aligning with European priorities. Originality/value The paper contributes an RO-level implementation architecture and staged roadmap that translates EU-level policy guidance into design choices, enabling benchmarking and cross-organizational learning.