Impact of science, technology, and innovation-based cooperation programs on relations of European Union and Türkiye

The European Union (EU) and Türkiye relationship was formally established by signing the Ankara Agreement on September 12, 1963. EU accession negotiations began in 2005 under the framework of the Negotiating Framework Document, which outlines 35 chapters. So far, only the chapter on Science and Research has been provisionally closed, with the process ongoing for the remaining chapters. Despite periodic political and other tensions impacting EU-Türkiye relations, cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI) and Türkiye's involvement in EU-supported education, training, and research programs has continued. This study explores how tensions in EU-Türkiye relations influence STI activities and how these activities, in turn, affect Türkiye's EU accession process, all within the framework of constructivism theory and informed by science diplomacy. The study suggests that science diplomacy acts as a bridge during intense political crises, fostering closer societal ties through STI-based collaborations. A case study method, a qualitative research approach, was used, involving semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Data from interviews with 21 experts were analyzed using MAXQDA software, revealing one main theme, four sub-themes, 21 categories, and seven sub-categories. The study's findings suggest that STI fields are not among the contentious areas in EU-Türkiye relations. Moreover, Türkiye's efforts in the STI sector positively influence bilateral relations and science diplomacy can be effectively utilized as a tool to advance national interests in STI-related collaborations.