Crowdsourcing Diplomacy

The United States State Department is utilizing the principles of crowdsourcing, eGovernment, and open innovation to address the complexities and urgency of diplomatic realities. In order to solve global challenges, the department has partnered with universities across the country as part of the Diplomacy Lab initiative. This course-sources research and innovation by utilizing students and faculty experts, allowing them to contribute directly to the policymaking process. The State Department has also introduced the Virtual Student Foreign Service (VSFS) eIntern program, which matches American college and university students with U.S. diplomatic posts overseas and government agencies to conduct digital diplomacy. These initiatives highlight the importance of engaging outside talent to drive innovation and change.