Strategic Science Communication and Technology: Fostering Sustainable Development Through a Rapid Review
Abstract
Global challenges like COVID-19 and climate change demand a robust, interdisciplinary, and international scientific response. Collaborative efforts are essential to address these issues, requiring solutions that transcend national and disciplinary limits. However, the rapid technological advancements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution also introduced new economic, social, and geopolitical hurdles that impeded scientific collaboration. To address these, the Global Future Council on Scientific Collaboration is developing innovative partnerships and strategies to foster international cooperation in research. Their work includes assessing the current state of global collaboration and proposing resilient frameworks to sustain these partnerships amid evolving global risks. Moreover, promoting scientific communication and integrating scientific insights into policymaking is critical to enhancing preparedness for future crises. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for continuous dialogue between scientists and policymakers to build trust and integrate evidence-based solutions. With initiatives like open science and ethical data-sharing frameworks, the scientific community is working to enhance transparency, accessibility, and global cooperation. Through these efforts, science can play a pivotal role in driving sustainable solutions and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to bridge the gap between research and its application, strategic scientific communication is essential, especially while working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By emphasising efficient information transmission, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, this rapid review explores how strategic scientific communication improves research efficiency and effect, particularly in the social sciences. In order to emphasise the tactics, advantages, and difficulties of using scientific communication tools to boost research productivity, influence policy, and address urgent global sustainability issues, the review synthesises recent literature. Central to strategic science communication is its capacity to clarify complex scientific information for diverse audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and the public. Science communicators increase the possibility of well-informed decision-making that supports sustainable development goals by using customised messages, eye-catching imagery, and easily understood language to make research findings more relatable and intelligible. Consistent with sustainable development objectives, strategic science communication acts as a stimulant for the impact of research. In order to optimise research contributions to sustainability, this quick overview emphasises the necessity of continuous investment in scientific communication infrastructure and expertise.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ann Gaceri Kaaria, PhD
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